Vienna Rescue Organizations Warn of Quality Loss in ÖGK Tariffs

Background to the Demands

The rescue organizations are particularly burdened by the "price explosion" in fuel, medications, and medical products. Increased personnel costs as well as general material and energy costs are also straining the budgets of the emergency organizations, which provide rescue and patient transport services for the ÖGK in Vienna.

Vienna's rescue organizations emphasize that a "fair coverage of costs" is urgently needed. Otherwise, there is a risk that necessary investments in vehicles, equipment, and personnel will have to be postponed. This would also reduce the security of care in the federal capital in the medium term.

Role of the City of Vienna

The City of Vienna is indirectly affected as the sponsor of the rescue services. Under the Vienna Rescue and Patient Transport Act, it shares responsibility for the organization and financing of the rescue service and depends on functioning contracts between the emergency organizations and the ÖGK. A delay or breakdown of the negotiations could therefore also have an impact on municipal budgets.

The ÖGK had most recently announced that it intended to raise tariffs in all federal states by the same amount for the current year 2026. The Vienna organizations see this as an indication that an adjustment going beyond the current offer would in principle be possible. They demand that the specific cost developments in Vienna be taken into account.

Outlook on Further Negotiations

The fronts between the rescue organizations and the fund are hardened. In recent weeks, the associations have repeatedly pointed out the importance of reliable financing, also referring to the role of the rescue services during the pandemic and in everyday operations. An end to the negotiations is not currently in sight.

Observers expect that municipal officials in Vienna will seek talks with the ÖGK. Should no agreement be reached, the rescue organizations could be forced to reduce their range of services or to turn to other cost bearers.

Vienna's rescue organizations announced that they will stick to their demands and maintain pressure on the ÖGK in the coming weeks. A broader public debate about the financing of pre-clinical care is also not ruled out.