Sometimes it is a matter of seconds, seconds in which fear, responsibility, and courage come together. For Daisy Semedo and Patrick Raus, these were the moments that changed two lives forever. For their exceptional commitment, they have been named Luxembourger of the Year by the readers and listeners of RTL.
On Friday, 21 February, shortly after the youth centre in Differdange had opened, what began as a normal afternoon quickly turned into a nightmare. Luca, just 14 years old, was playing football with friends when he suddenly felt unwell. He vomited, became unresponsive, and even stopped breathing.
Youth worker Daisy Semedo immediately recognised the seriousness of the situation and called 112. Guided by the operator’s instructions and drawing on her knowledge gained during a first aid course, she remained calm and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation without hesitation.
She kept Luca alive until emergency services arrived. He was later resuscitated and underwent surgery at a hospital in Brussels.
Today, he is doing well and has returned to the youth centre, playing football with his friends and standing as living proof that first aid can save lives.
For this reason, Daisy Semedo believes that first aid training should be compulsory. A situation like this, she says, can happen at any time and anywhere.
First aid is also a major concern for Patrick Raus. He teaches first aid courses himself and is a professional firefighter out of conviction. Helping others is what motivates him, and he does so every day.
On 7 January, a bitterly cold winter day, heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow. A call was received by the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) reporting that a person had been seen floating in the water and was in danger of drowning.
The 28-year-old firefighter immediately rushed to the scene and ran along the riverbank in search of the woman. When he spotted her in the water, it quickly became clear that the current was strong and that time was running out.
Together with his team, he prepared an improvised rescue operation. A rope was secured and Patrick jumped into the cold, murky water in full uniform, putting his own life at risk. Despite the powerful current and his soaked clothing, he managed to push the woman towards the shore. She survived.
Patrick himself only made it back to land with great difficulty. After the rescue, he was severely hypothermic and later developed an infection caused by the polluted water. What mattered most to him, however, was that a life had been saved.
Neither Daisy nor Patrick see themselves as heroes. Speaking to RTL, both highlight the importance of teamwork, training, and the support of others in such exceptional situations. They view the title of Luxembourger of the Year as a sign of recognition not only for themselves, but for everyone who takes responsibility in everyday life, remains calm, and takes action when it matters.
Two people who did not hesitate, two decisions that saved lives – and a powerful reminder that a little courage can sometimes have a huge impact.
2024: Mike Dickes (for civil courage) and Chantal Keller (blëtz nonprofit)
2023: Georges Klepper (ALS patient) and Jakkie Paulus (volunteer work at the Psychological Support Group)
2022: Karen van Hout (ambulance worker) and Dr. Bernard Thill (Médécins du Monde)
2021: Healthcare workers
2020: Healthcare workers
2019: Jenny Warling (karate) and Remy Eiffes (soldier)
2018: Gwen Daufeld (for her work with dementia patients) and Jeff Herr (Wonschkutsch)
2017: Martine Kohl (Street Angels) and André Bichel (police officer)
2016: Nathalie Scheer (ALS patient) anf Marcel Steffen (police officer)
2015: Yasmine Grisius (police officer, posthumously) and Jean Asselborn (Foreign Minister)
2014: Noémie Siebenaller and Camille Arend (twice a posthumous award, because the two employees of ‘Le soleil dans la main’ died in a plane crash in Africa)
2013: Sylvie Conter (judge) and Gaston Vogel (lawyer)
2012: Eliane Leger (nurse) and Romain Hilbes (bus driver and lifesaver)
2011: Xavier Bettel (Luxembourg City mayor)
2010: Andy Schleck (Cyclist)
2009: Andy Schleck (Cyclist)
2008: Jean-Claude Juncker (Prime Minister)
Since 2012, the male and female Luxembourger of the Year titles have been awarded through two separate votes.
