Marco Hoffmann

Marco Hoffmann is a specialist in anesthesia, intensive care and emergency medicine, firefighter, parent representative at Cani, knowledgeable citizen, reserve officer in the German Armed Forces and much more

There are only 24 hours in a day - how do you manage it all? This question involuntarily arises when Marco Hoffmann talks about how and where he gets involved. The Lüdinghausen native works in a group practice in Dortmund, he is one of the leading emergency doctors in the Coesfeld district, a member of the voluntary fire department in Lüdinghausen, chairman of the St. Marienhospital initiative group, a reserve officer in the German army, a parents' representative at Canisianum grammar school, an expert citizen on the Lüdinghausen education and culture committee, a member of the historical regulars' table "Gesellschaft Reichstag Lüdinghausen von 1892" and also organizes forest experiences for children at the Cappenberg forest school.

"Here in Lüdinghausen, it's simply worth getting involved," says the 52-year-old. "Because you can make a difference. Because there are such great people here who want to make a difference and aren't looking for problems (?). I now have such a large network and it's easy to get something going. There's a saying: doing is like wanting, only more blatant. And that's exactly how it is."

Marco Hoffmann wears two beepers on his belt, one as a senior emergency doctor in the Coesfeld district and one as a firefighter in Lüdinghausen. "The first one has priority, of course," says Hoffmann, adding with a wink why he became a firefighter: He was unable to resist the temptation to "drive red fire engines". Working in the fire department is a lot of fun, the camaraderie is great and the trust you have in your "buddy" in breathing apparatus operations is unique. "As a firefighter, you have to be flexible and remain calm in order to save lives. Everyone contributes their expertise. It's a great change from the routine of everyday work."

Love of medicine

Marco Hoffmann discovered his love of medicine at an early age. He was already sticking plasters in the fourth grade, did first aid training in the ninth grade and was already a paramedic when he graduated from high school. "And then I slowly grew into the profession." Isn't working as an emergency physician very stressful? "Of course there are sad moments," says the medic. "But for me, the focus is on helping people. And I don't take the experiences home with me."

The 52-year-old is happy to pass on his knowledge: in his role as chairman of the school care team, he introduced first aid training at the Ostwall School years ago. Last year, he organized the resuscitation day and was delighted to see how passionate the invited fourth-graders were about the subject. "And you could see once again how well volunteer cooperation works here. The DRK local association immediately pledged its support."

From civilian to reserve officer

When he obtained his hunting license, Marco Hoffmann came into contact with shooting and then read in a specialist magazine that the Bundeswehr was looking for doctors. "Although I did civilian service as a young man, I am interested in tactical emergency medicine: how do you treat someone in critical situations, for example when someone has been shot?" He was recruited into the Bundeswehr as a reserve officer and has since been assigned to the Rapid Deployment Forces Medical Service Command in Leer as a senior field doctor, practising with his comrades several times a year and passing on his experience as a helicopter doctor.

As a hunter, the 52-year-old enjoys spending time in the woods and meadows and also wanted to pass on his experience of nature. He founded a "bushcraft team" with four friends and they work with the Cappenberg Forest School as trainers. Their aim is to show children and young people what a great world there is to discover. Carving, making a fire without a lighter, working with their hands, feeling nature - "the children think it's great," says Hoffmann.

Great luck to have a hospital on site

The St. Marien Hospital here in Lüdinghausen is also important to him. Not only because he used to work there himself, but also because it is very fortunate to be able to go to a hospital where he lives or in the region, or to be able to take patients there as an emergency doctor. "I am delighted to be able to make a contribution to supporting the hospital as Chairman of the Friends' Association. For example, we contribute financially and practically to the vacation care for employees' children organized by the employee representatives." "A great thing," says Marco Hoffmann and calls on everyone in Lüdinghausen to become a member of the St. Marien Hospital Support Association (Initiativkreis) with a small contribution.

Parent representative at Cani, knowledgeable citizen, member of the Reichstag: there is much more to tell about Marco Hoffmann. One thing is certain: an outstanding commitment to Lüdinghausen and its citizens. Nadine Wenge