Norwegian Red Cross Search and Rescue Corps

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 terms of gas attacks in other cities.

Today, there are over 300 local Search and Rescue Corps with over 12 000 members, where a large proportion are qualified first assistants. The Search and Rescue Corps's main task is to assist police in search and rescue operations and disasters. In addition, the corps gives medical manpower to various events in the community, doing first aid instruction, and in some locations also ambulance services.

All efforts from the members is voluntary, and the equipment used is also paid with funds through volunteer efforts.

Education

Anyone who wants to be an active member in the corps must complete a basic training in first aid, organization, and basic use of the radio. All members must pass a practical and theoretical examination in first aid every three year. To be included in search and rescue operations it is also required to train or documented skills in outdoor activities, 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.