You must choose the area of activity in which you would like to be involved:

• Rescue work – you will participate in extinguishing fires, providing assistance, and eliminating traffic accidents and natural disasters.
• Prevention work – you will organise fire and water safety training, carry out information campaigns, and make home visits to raise awareness among residents.
• Civil protection – you will help organise large-scale evacuations and sheltering, inform people of dangers, and take action in various emergency situations.

Volunteer rescuers work in rescue stations across Estonia. You will be provided with the necessary training and equipment and the opportunity to participate in joint surveillance duties with professional rescuers.

The principle of voluntarism means that everyone contributes according to their abilities. We expect you to participate in training and exercises, and respond to rescue incidents and participate in prevention work where possible. Acting consistently is important so that your knowledge and skills are maintained and developed.

Volunteers are always involved in rescue operations by the Emergency Response Centre, but each rescue station sets its own internal work arrangements (e.g., planning of shifts, whether to respond to incidents from home or being on duty at the station, etc.) based on the needs and capabilities of their region.
If you participate in joint watch keeping with professional rescuers, you are a part of the rescue team and are subordinate to the rescue team leader.

The Rescue Services Agency supports volunteer rescuers in several ways, such as providing equipment, paying for training and, in some cases, covering the cost of meals. However, volunteers must cover their own travel expenses to rescue stations and training sessions.

Please also note that work arrangements at different stations may vary. If you participate in joint surveillance duty, you usually have to pay for your own food. According to the procedure established by the Rescue Services Agency, compensation of EUR 10 per 24-hour shift is paid for participation in joint surveillance duty, intended to cover travel expenses.

Rescue works are always accompanied by a certain level of risk. It is important that volunteer rescuers act within the limits of their skills and authority and strictly follow work procedures and safety rules. This means, among other things, that you must meet all the requirements set for volunteer rescuers and always use the appropriate protective clothing and equipment.

Volunteer rescue work offers an excellent opportunity to develop yourself, make your community safer, and improve your teamwork skills. The more active you are, the more opportunities will open up. You will be able to:

• participate in additional training and acquire special skills;
• complete stage-based trainings and develop leadership skills;
• work closely with professional rescuers;
• participate in international cooperation;
• continue on towards a career as a professional rescuer;
• raise community awareness and contribute to prevention work.

Before you decide to become a volunteer rescuer, consider the following:

• How much time can you devote to this activity?
• What is your physical condition?
• How you cope in tense and stressful situations?
• Are you suited to working as part of a team?
• Are you able to regularly participate in training and exercises?

To learn more, contact a volunteer or professional rescue station to find out what opportunities are available for you to get involved. If you know a volunteer or professional rescuer, you can ask them for advice. Every rescue centre also has a volunteer coordinator who you can call or write to.

For more information on becoming a volunteer rescuer and to see a list of volunteer rescue stations, visit the Rescue Services Agency website.