Communities Against Disasters

The reason was to exchange knowledge as the rescuers are the first respondents to climate change challenges. Participants were chosen from different regions of the countries to have a wide dissemi...

The reason was to exchange knowledge as the rescuers are the first respondents to climate change challenges. Participants were chosen from different regions of the countries to have a wide dissemination effect - knowledge apprehended to other voluntary rescuers.

Activity one: 12 Icelandic voluntary rescuers visited Estonia and were introduced to firefighting theory and practice. In addition, they had a virtual reality group exercise to face major disasters. Activity two: 12 Estonian voluntary rescuers visited Iceland and were introduced INSARAG coordination and management system for major disasters. They had exercises of swift water rescue. Activity three: Rescue conference at Reykjavik. Participants learned new rescue approaches and ideas from case studies (rubble rescue, rescue in extreme conditions, and new equipment). The results of activity one were presented in front of a larger audience and the adaption of firefighting skills and equipment to Icelandic voluntary rescue was discussed.

24 Leaders and/or members of the voluntary rescue departments and teams from Estonia and Iceland (the teachers of the teachers) gained new safety-regarded knowledge and skills. They shared it with their teams and participated in discussions to change the rescue model. New knowledge and skills lead to departments' practice and renewal of prevention work. As the voluntary rescue departments are located in different communities and rural areas of the partner countries, the new skills and information reach directly the rescue responders.