With the signing of a declaration of intent by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and Federal Secretary Reinhard Hundsmüller, future cooperation between the Austrian Armed Forces and the Austrian Workers’ Samaritan Association (ASBÖ) was raised to a new level today. The aim is to deepen, professionalize and sustainably institutionalize the long-standing cooperation, especially in the area of international disaster relief.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “With this declaration of intent we are laying the foundation for even closer cooperation in the area of international disaster relief. The shared use of know-how, resources and structures will help to further optimize our operational readiness in crises and disasters. Today’s signing marks a further step towards pooling resources and expertise in the spirit of international disaster relief.”
The key points are the exchange of specialist knowledge on special topics as well as technical developments and experiences after operations and exercises, mutual use of training facilities and military training areas, deepening of joint operations within the framework of international disaster relief and the creation of the opportunity for mutual participation in specialist further training or exercises. This includes, above all, the closer cooperation between the international disaster relief unit of the Samaritan Association, “SA-RRT” (“Samaritan Austria – Rapid Response Team”), and the disaster relief unit of the Federal Army – the Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit (AFDRU) – in drinking water treatment and earthquake rescue, especially in foreign missions, especially in the areas of mission preparation, medical care, logistics and their implementation.
Federal Managing Director Reinhard Hundsmüller: “The cooperation between the Austrian Armed Forces and the Samaritan Association is a powerful signal of the importance of shared responsibility in international disaster relief. Safety and rapid help can only be truly effectively guaranteed through coordinated cooperation. Today’s signing lays the foundation for a partnership that not only strengthens operational readiness, but above all benefits those who urgently need support in times of crisis.”
AFDRU has been directly and indirectly involved in many operations since 1997. AFDRU is only set up when necessary from active and militia volunteers and, if necessary, is supplemented by civilian specialists such as rescue dog handlers. The responsibility for the deployment and formation of AFDRU lies with the command of the NBC defense center in Korneuburg. The Workers’ Samaritan Association, founded in 1927, has developed over the decades from an organization for rescue and medical transport into a comprehensive service provider in the social and health sectors.
The Samaritan Austria – Rapid Response Team (SA-RRT), the specialized international disaster relief unit of the Samaritan Association, takes part in cross-border operations, further education and training. The Samaritan Association is also an active part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. In addition, the Samaritans, who are often volunteers, are involved in various networks in the area of international disaster relief – such as: B. at Samaritan International (SAM.I.) or in the German-speaking DACHL network. In Austria, the Samaritan Association is represented in the state crisis and disaster protection management (SKKM).
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