THW is a role model for Päästeliit

24.October 2024 hendrik We spent the last two days in Bonn, Germany where we got to know the activities of the local technical rescue unit.

During a two-day visit to the German Technical Rescue Unit, we got to know the functioning of the organisation, the international humanitarian aid work, as well as the logistics and the machinery the Germans use for technical rescue work.

According to Risto Roomet, head of the Rescue Associations' technical rescue unit, we have a lot in common with the Germans: "We saw that the Germans face the same problems as we do: storms, snowstorms and floods, which are the biggest causes of their problems. That is why the THW is a role model for us of where the technical rescue unit of the Estonian Rescue Association can reach in the future to ensure support for the state and communities in Estonia in the midst of major crises," said Roomet.

The Technische Hilfswerk (THW) is a federal organisation specialising in technical and humanitarian assistance, with 88,000 volunteers helping in natural disasters, crises and other emergencies in Germany and abroad.

The areas of activity are diverse, ranging from search and rescue after earthquakes to flood control and technical assistance for critical infrastructure. With specialised technical capabilities and modern equipment, THW provides assistance in a wide range of emergencies, ensuring the safety of the population. Volunteers are assisted in their activities by 2,100 paid staff.

At the local level, the unit's tasks in recent years have included extending a helping hand to the state in the event of floods, supporting the health department's logistics during COVID, as well as dealing with storms and major incidents.

On a worldwide scale, THW is today providing support around the world, with humanitarian assistance in countries such as Tunisia, Turkey, Jordan, Japan, Iran and Pakistan. In some countries, THW has been helping to build a local technical rescue unit for decades, ensuring a longer-term sense of security in developing countries.

During the visit, we met with representatives from several specialised sectors and volunteers who pledged to support Estonia with their know-how, so that we too can have the support to build a unit that is essential for Estonia's internal security.

Gallery of the visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBPnL7