At the “Military of the Year 2021” matinée, the Austrian Armed Forces honored soldiers, civilian employees and army units for special achievements in 2021. Due to the increasing number of Covid-19 infections and the associated risk of infection, this event was also held virtually this year.
The title “Recruit of the Year 2021” went to conscript Wolfgang Pirker from Villach Engineer Battalion 1, who was presented with the award by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.
“Our ‘Recruit of the Year’ saved the life of a cadre soldier from the 7th Jäger Brigade during an orienteering run. His quick and competent action, coupled with the correct diagnosis of a suspected heart attack, saved the life of a participant. Pirker stabilized the patient, alerted the civilian ambulance service and independently decided to transport the patient to the nearest first aid station. As a specialist first aider, he ensured that the rescue chain ran smoothly so that the patient could be taken to Villach regional hospital as quickly as possible and with the best possible care. The patient required heart surgery. Thank God, he is on the road to recovery. I would like to congratulate Recruit Wolfgang Pirker on being named ‘Recruit of the Year 2021’. He has more than earned this award thanks to his high level of training and his courageous approach in this medical emergency,” said laudator Lieutenant General Franz Reißner, Head of Directorate 1 at the Federal Ministry of Defense. Wolfgang Pirker, who will turn 19 at the beginning of December, completed an apprenticeship as a skilled agricultural worker at the agricultural college in Althofen. He joined the construction pioneer company of Pioneer Battalion 1 on January 11, 2021. After his basic training, he trained as a paramedic with the medical training company at the South Medical Center. Pirker then served as a paramedic with the staff company of Pioneer Battalion 1. Wolfgang Pirker currently runs a farm with 200 dairy cows together with his parents in Tschadam in his home municipality of Liebenfels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCwxTPVgZeU
Here to see our other heroes and heroines.
