A 25-Year Legacy of ‘First Aid for the Soul’ in Solingen

She turned grief into a mission. Now, her team of 50 volunteers stands ready—100 times a year—to heal the unseen wounds of tragedy.

, and Administrator

2025 November 23 . 1:13 AM

1 min read

In this image there are two ambulances which are parked one beside the other. At the top there is... — In this image there are two ambulances which are parked one beside the other. At the top there is roof. On the right side there is a person walking on the floor. On the left side there is a man beside the ambulance.

A 25-Year Legacy of ‘First Aid for the Soul’ in Solingen

For a quarter of a century, Simone Henn-Pausch has led emergency pastoral care in Solingen. Her work provides emotional intelligence support after crises, from failed resuscitations to accidents and sudden deaths. The service, often called 'first aid for the soul,' has become a cornerstone of the city’s emergency response. Henn-Pausch took on the role of coordinator on 1 January 1999. Since then, she has built a team of around 50 trained volunteers, working closely with the Catholic and Evangelical Churches. The group is alerted roughly 100 times a year, with most cases involving unsuccessful resuscitations, followed by suicides and a small number of accidents or sudden infant deaths. Henn-Pausch’s leadership has made the service an essential part of Solingen’s crisis response, ensuring that emotional health care remains available when it is needed most. The team continues to offer vital support during some of life’s most difficult moments, leaving a lasting legacy in the city.