Heiner Hofmann:

one of the first, one of the most committed

The connection with WAS began, as Hofmann puts it, “in a bit of a rush, so to speak”. In 1991, he had only just joined the German Red Cross (DRK) in Bielefeld when an emergency ambulance was ordered from a vehicle bodybuilder in the Emsland region that was still in its infancy at the time. “We thought we’d give this company a chance.” The name: Boddenberg (now WAS). The location: Wietmarschen. The emergency ambulance: presumably only the third ever to be built there. A lot has happened since then, but they’ve stayed in touch. As WAS grew and later moved to Emsbüren, many things changed, yet the ongoing professional dialogue continued. Hofmann is not only familiar with the vehicle types, but also knows many of the project managers personally. He values the collaborative development process and the productive debate to find the best solution.

A shared understanding: the vehicle as a workplace

In Bielefeld, a variety of vehicle concepts are now in service. Most recently, four Mercedes-Benz-based box body ambulances were put into service. In doing so, Hofmann and his team deliberately advocated for a classic interior layout, which did not entirely correspond to the WAS project team’s proposal. The fact that such positions sometimes run counter to a manufacturer’s standard approach is, for him, not a contradiction but an expression of collaborative partnership. For Hofmann, the brand is less important than the result: “An ambulance is a highly specialised workplace. It is the equivalent of a pleasant indoor climate, an ergonomic desk and sensible technical equipment for office workers. We need to apply this principle, because when we procure an ambulance, we are also procuring a workplace that, in the most extreme cases, is used for 24 hours at a stretch,” he emphasises. Those who work there need reliable technology, well-thought-out procedures and equipment that ensures safety and efficiency even during long shifts. This approach shapes both the consultations with manufacturers and internal procurement processes.

In 2027, Heiner Hofmann will bring his active career in the emergency medical services to a close. The handover to the next generation has been prepared, and his knowledge and experience are being passed on in a structured manner. His work is tied less to individual projects than to a fundamental philosophy: that the emergency medical services are a responsible task which demands continuous development. The relationships with partners with whom he has worked constructively over the years form part of this history of development. Heiner Hofmann stands for continuity, professional clarity and a willingness to approach innovations with a critical yet open mind. He was one of the first – and remains one of the most committed to this day.