die  Erstversorgung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛʁstfɛɐ̯ˈzɔʁɡʊŋ/

🚑 What does "die Erstversorgung" mean?

Die Erstversorgung refers to the initial medical measures taken in an emergency (accident, sudden illness) or for an injury before further medical treatment is provided or emergency services arrive. It's the immediate assistance given at the scene.

The word is feminine, so the article is die.

• Main meaning: First medical aid in emergencies.
• Other contexts: Sometimes used in the sense of an initial basic supply or provision of necessary goods (e.g., for refugees), but the medical context is predominant.

⚠️ Not to be confused with complete medical treatment.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Die Erstversorgung

The noun "Erstversorgung" is feminine. It is mostly used in the singular as it often describes a concept. The plural ("die Erstversorgungen") is grammatically correct but rare, referring to multiple specific instances of initial care.

Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)

1. Die schnelle Erstversorgung rettete dem Verletzten das Leben.
   (The quick initial care saved the injured person's life.)
2. Nach dem Unfall kümmerte sich ein Ersthelfer um die Erstversorgung.
   (After the accident, a first aider took care of the initial care.)
3. Der Kurs beinhaltete Grundlagen der Erstversorgung bei Kindernotfällen.
   (The course included basics of first aid for child emergencies.)
4. (Rare:) Die verschiedenen Erstversorgungen an den Unfallorten wurden dokumentiert.
   (The various instances of initial care at the accident sites were documented.)

💡 How is "Erstversorgung" used?

"Erstversorgung" is primarily used in a medical context or concerning emergency situations.

• Typical situations: Accidents (traffic, household, work), sudden illnesses (heart attack, stroke), injuries (cuts, burns).
• Who performs it? First responders (Ersthelfer), paramedics (Sanitäter), emergency doctors (Notärzte), but also laypersons after a first aid course.
• Distinction: It's the 'first' aid, not the final treatment in a hospital (that would be Weiterbehandlung or Nachsorge).
• Synonym: Often used synonymously with "Erste Hilfe" (First Aid), although "Erstversorgung" can sometimes imply a slightly more professional or comprehensive first step beyond basic layperson help, but not necessarily.

🧠 Mnemonics for Erstversorgung

For the article 'die': Think of other feminine words related to help and care in German: die Hilfe (the help), die Rettung (the rescue), die Versorgung (the care/provision) – just like die Erstversorgung.

For the meaning: "Erst" means first, "Versorgung" means care or provision. So, it's literally the 'first care' you provide. Imagine the *first* thing you do to *care for* someone in an emergency.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar, but different words:

• Grundversorgung: (Basic supply/provision) Often refers to the basic provision of essentials (water, food, electricity) or basic health services.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Erste-Hilfe-Kasten Liebeskummer?
(Why is the first-aid kit lovesick?)

Weil er immer nur für die Erstversorgung zuständig ist, aber nie für die langfristige Beziehung!
(Because it's always only responsible for the 'initial care', but never for the long-term relationship!)

📜 Poem about Erstversorgung

Schnell zur Stelle, keine Frage,
(Quickly on the spot, no question,)
in ernster, dringender Lage.
(In a serious, urgent situation.)
Die Wunde lindern, Schmerz vertreiben,
(Ease the wound, drive away pain,)
die erste Hilfe, um zu bleiben.
(The first help, in order to stay.)
Ob Pflaster, Druck, ob kühles Tuch,
(Whether plaster, pressure, or cool cloth,)
die Erstversorgung – klug.
(The initial care – wise.)
Bis Profis kommen, übernehmen,
(Until professionals arrive and take over,)
die erste Tat kann Leben nehmen.
(The first act can take [save] a life.)

❓ Riddle

Ich bin der erste Schritt zur Heilung,
(I am the first step towards healing,)
bei Unfall oder schneller Eilung.
(In case of accident or quick haste.)
Ich komme vor dem Doktor an,
(I arrive before the doctor does,)
was bin ich, sag es, wenn du's kannst?
(What am I, say it if you can?)

Solution: Die Erstversorgung (First aid / Initial care)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

The word "Erstversorgung" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Erst-: Adverb or prefix meaning "first", "initial".
• Versorgung: Noun referring to the provision of necessities (here: medical aid).

This composition clearly shows the meaning: the 'first' (or initial) 'care/provision'.