Civil Protection volunteer corps grows to 25, recruiting 10–15 more

The first cohort of the Civil Protection volunteer corps, created a little over a year ago under the Qualified Civil Protection Law, now has 25 active members. Nadia Olm, head of the volunteer area, says the group is notable for its willingness and motivation. Interviews are underway to select a second cohort of about 10 to 15 additional volunteers.

Officials trace the need for a volunteer support body back to major events such as the 1982 floods and the Arinsal avalanche, which underlined the importance of having trained people available in critical situations. Olm stresses that volunteering is voluntary: the corps cannot require members to attend every activation, and there is no fixed minimum attendance rate, though a basic level of commitment is expected. The department also tries to match assignments to individual preferences, from awareness work to emergency response or support at sporting and social events.

Volunteers receive specific training before taking part in operations. The corps’ responsibilities are grouped into three main areas: prevention (support at events, awareness activities, etc.), emergency response, and recovery and return to normality. “The more hands we have, the better,” Olm says.

The unit’s first major deployment was at the Games of the Small States of Europe, where volunteers assisted with security and traffic. They have also supported the Mountain Bike World Cup, mentorship activities, prevention talks, and joint drills with firefighters. So far they have not been needed in a real emergency.

Volunteer Irene Rossell describes the group as cohesive and diverse, with members ranging in age from their 20s to nearly 70. She joined after being moved by a severe storm in Spain and wanted to help her country. Rossell calls the experience transformational: the people are very engaged, the Civil Protection department makes participation easy, and there is no pressure to attend every activation. “Each person gives what they can and when they can,” she says. “Volunteering is a beautiful experience that reminds us we are here to help one another.”