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 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 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 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 in some activity's 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 sutch 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 3 years.
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.