The Estonian Rescue Association () is a non-profit association of volunteer rescue service organisations. Its main goals are the development of joint activities of voluntary rescue services, standing for the interests of its members, introduction and implementation of good practices of joint activities, and the involvement of its members and the general public in the development of civil society in Estonia.
History
Since 2006, a think-tank had been meeting to discuss joint activities of volunteer rescue organizations. This led to the realization that the formation of a joint association might be necessary. Preparations for it began in September 2008. An initiative group was assembled in 2009, which started consulting with various governmental and non-governmental organizations, and drawing up a plan for the association. The idea was that the association would enable joint procurement, sharing of resources, and would counsel and coordinate the various volunteer organizations.
Estonian Rescue Association was officially founded on 22 January 2010 in
Riigikogu
The Riigikogu (, from Estonian ''riigi-'', "of the state", and ''kogu'', "assembly") is the unicameral parliament of Estonia. In addition to approving legislation, the Parliament appoints high officials, including the prime minister and chi ...
.
Since its establishment, the association has formed many partnerships with various organizations, including the
International Maritime Rescue Federation
The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) that supports search and rescue ( SAR Convention) organisations in developing and improving maritime SAR capacity. The IMRF provides gu ...
, International Association of Fire and Rescue Services, The Confederation of Fire Protection Associations Europe,
Estonian Rescue Board
The Estonian Rescue Board () is a government agency under the Ministry of the Interior of Estonia. It is tasked with maintaining a secure environment in Estonia, anticipating threats and helping people in the event of an accident. Its mission is ...
,
Estonian Defence League
The Estonian Defence League (, 'Defence League') is a voluntary paramilitary national defence organization of the Republic of Estonia, under management of the Ministry of Defence. Its aim is to guarantee the preservation of the independence and s ...
and many others.
Structure
The organization is led by the Chairman of the Management Board. The Management Board, which manages and represents the organization on a daily basis, can have up to five members, who are elected and supported by the Supervisory Board for a term of three years. The Supervisory Board consists of representatives from each region of Estonia, in addition to two general representatives and one honorary member from the Estonian Fire Brigade Association. The Supervisory Board is led by a chairman, who is elected from among its members. Members of the Supervisory Board are in turn elected by the General Assembly for a period of three years. The General Assembly is held at least once a year.
See also
*
Estonian Rescue Board
The Estonian Rescue Board () is a government agency under the Ministry of the Interior of Estonia. It is tasked with maintaining a secure environment in Estonia, anticipating threats and helping people in the event of an accident. Its mission is ...
*
Vabatahtlik Reservpäästerühm
Volunteer Reserve Rescue Team () is an Estonian non-governmental organization. The organization was established in 2002 in order to support the professional rescue in case of extensive natural and civilian disasters (forest fires and oil spills ...
References
External links
* {{Official website
Organizations based in Estonia