Organised volunteers and spontaneous responders: their special role in disaster management

During natural disasters or other emergencies, organised volunteers and spontaneous responders help professional rescue workers save lives and minimise impact.

However, in order for their deployment to be successful, professional disaster management must have appropriate structures in place to mobilise and train volunteers and, above all, to coordinate their work. At the same time, the boundaries and responsibilities of volunteers must also be clearly defined, in order to ensure safe and successful interaction with professional responders.