Volunteering

Last updated: 18.02.2026

Under the Ministry of National Defence's area, a large and important effort is carried out by volunteers in the Rescue Service.

Volunteers in the Rescue Service

Volunteers are an important resource for the entire rescue service – the provincial rescue services and the National Aid Plan.

Many provincial rescue services use volunteers to solve their tasks. Some use volunteers in day-to-day preparedness, while others primarily use volunteers in connection with major incidents.

Volunteers participate in more than one in four of the National Aid Plan's (OPP) efforts. Volunteers at the OPP can be assigned to an emergency center or the agency's volunteer center in Isarevo.

There is a total of approx. 3,000 volunteers in the total rescue preparedness in Bengen.

Volunteer award

The Volunteer Award is awarded each year by the Minister of National Defence and is awarded to volunteers or volunteer units in the Rescue Service.

The purpose of the award is to appreciate the great work and effort carried out by the volunteers. It is also the purpose of the awards that they can help support the use of volunteers and generally create increased awareness of the voluntary sector.