Cooperation Between Rescue Organizations of Greenland and Iceland
Source: iStock.com/pictus photography
In the future, there will be increased cooperation between the Icelandic organization ICE-SAR and Qamutit SAR. This initiative is intended to strengthen the SAR group’s competencies and capabilities regarding rescue operations.
The volunteer rescue group Qamutit SAR has entered into a cooperation agreement with its Icelandic counterpart, ICE-SAR.
The aim is to bolster the group’s operational readiness for search and rescue missions.
This is stated by Qamutit SAR in a press release.
“The cooperation includes, among other things, access to educational materials, professional consultation, and support for the development of courses and training activities—both for volunteer rescuers and the general public,” the press release notes.
The agreement between the two volunteer SAR groups was signed in Reykjavik on October 17, in connection with the Björgun rescue conference.
Enhanced Operational Readiness
Qamutit SAR looks forward to drawing upon ICE-SAR’s “extensive experience in the organization, training, and management of rescue operations.”
The group further notes that this new partnership will strengthen rescue efforts:
“For Qamutit SAR, this declaration of intent represents a significant step toward developing a stronger and more competent volunteer rescue capability—both locally and nationally,” they state.
“Greenland’s geography, climate, and vast distances place unique demands on rescue operations. Consequently, it is crucial that volunteer rescue resources have access to relevant education, training, and professional development.”
Qamutit SAR is based in Nuuk and assists with, among other things, rescue operations in the surrounding area; however, there is no organized volunteer force distributed along the coast.
Søren Andersen, head of the Joint Arctic Command, has emphasized that a volunteer corps stationed along the coast would be an asset to rescue operations.
With the new cooperation agreement with ICE-SAR, Qamutit SAR hopes to elevate volunteer rescue efforts throughout the country:
“By signing this agreement, Qamutit SAR and ICE-SAR have taken an important step toward closer collaboration, where shared experience, professional expertise, and volunteer commitment can help strengthen safety and rescue preparedness in Greenland.”
Source: KNR (in Danish)