Emergency Counseling at the W:O:A

A first at Wacken Open Air: psychosocial emergency care for emergency personnel 

August 19 marks World Humanitarian Day, an occasion that highlights the commitment of aid workers around the world. Humanitarian aid means not only supporting those affected, but also caring for those who are themselves involved in the relief effort. 

This is precisely where a special service at Wacken Open Air 2025 came in: colleague Oliver Hinrichs was on site for the first time this year as an emergency counselor for emergency services personnel and not in his role as a WEINMANN employee. He and another colleague set up PSNV-E (Psychosocial Emergency Care for Emergency Services Personnel) – a service that was used intensively right from the first day of the festival. As an experienced emergency medical service worker, he knows how important it is for those who help others to also find a listening ear and support. 

Support that makes a difference 

While pastoral care services have been available to visitors at Wacken Open Air for many years, 2025 marked a first for the provision of psychosocial support to emergency services personnel. Oliver Hinrichs explains: “We are both experienced emergency medical service workers and are familiar with the particular challenges of everyday operations. With PSNV-E, we want to support colleagues after stressful situations so that they remain healthy and fit for duty.” The first inquiries came in early during the festival weekend – a clear sign that the service is meeting a demand. 

Listen, understand, support 

For Hinrichs, the goal is clear: “Just be there, listen, show understanding.” With PSNV-E, emergency services personnel receive the attention and appreciation they deserve. This not only improves the health of the aid workers, but also the quality of the medical and organizational work on site. 

This initiative at Wacken Open Air demonstrates how humanitarian aid continues to be visible even after World Humanitarian Day: as a commitment to those who are there for others every day. A powerful example of empathy and responsibility – far beyond the scope of the festival.