The Norwegian Red Cross Search and Rescue Corps (NRKH) was created in 1932 as a support for civil society in the event of war, and particularly with gas attacks in other cities. Today, there are over 300 local Search and Rescue Corps with over 12,000 members, where all members are qualified first aiders. The Search and Rescue Corps's main task is to assist police in

search and rescue Search and rescue (SAR) is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger. The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, typically determined by the type of terrain the search ...

operations especially during disasters. In addition, the corps gives medical manpower to various events in the community, doing

first aid First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to any person with either a minor or serious illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or to promote recovery. It includes initial in ...

instruction, and in some locations, ambulance services. All efforts from the membership are voluntary. The equipment used is also paid for with funds collected through volunteer efforts.

Education

Anyone who wants to be an active member in the corps must complete a basic course in first aid and introduction to Red Cross. They can then participate as an aspirant. When they have completed their full training of First Aid, Radio Communications, and Basic course in Search and Rescue, they are qualified members. After that, they can do more specialized training such as ATV Operations, Snowmobile Operations, Boating and water rescue, expert First Aid, Team Leader SAR, Operations Leader SAR, Ambulance Training and much more. All members must pass a practical and theoretical examination in first aid and do a reassessment of all subjects every three years. To be included in search and rescue operations, it is also required to train or have documented skills in

outdoor activities Outdoor recreation or outdoor activity refers to recreation done outside, most commonly in natural settings. The activities that encompass outdoor recreation vary depending on the physical environment they are being carried out in. These activiti ...

, and search methods for summer and winter conditions. In addition, there are courses in water rescue, rescue in difficult terrain, the avalanche rescue, communications, advanced first aid, make-up and the cursor service, management, psychological first aid, ambulance and more.

External links

Norwegian Red Cross
Rescue Volunteer search and rescue organizations Norwegian Red Cross