NCEMA, Takatof sign MoU to establish National Programme for Volunteer Emergency Response

The MoU seeks to define unified principles to coordinate both organisations partnership and efforts to establish a robust emergency response system among volunteers aged 18 years and above; and prepare the nation for disasters and emergencies while promoting the spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility among Emirati citizens and residents.

Signing the MoU were Mr Ali bin Kenaid Al Falasi, Director of Support Services, NCEMA and Maytha Al Habsi, Director, Taktof; in the presence of His Excellency Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Director General, NCEMA ,His Excellency Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Board Member, Emirates Foundation / Takatof and Dr. Saleh Hashim Al Hashimi, Managing Director, Emirates Foundation.

The MoU brings together the experiences and skills of two established organisations with complementary strengths - NCEMA with its proven track record for leadership and oversight during national events and emergencies, with responsibilities in developing policies and procedures for the training and audit of activities relating to national level crisis and emergencies, while Takatof offers its strengths in supporting and orchestrating successful volunteer programmes.

The new initiative brings together global best practices from both Swedish and American emergency response models, both of which are internationally recognised for their strengths in structured organisation and training to respond to emergencies and crises. It also engages volunteers at two levels: the Emergency Response volunteers and the Emergency Response Volunteer Readiness Corps at levels one and two respectively.

Both levels of volunteers will undergo mandatory training in basic emergency response, first aid and CPR, to ensure that they are all equipped with skills in fire safety, basic medical assistance in small-scale and large-scale situations, including light search and rescue.

HE Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi said, "The nation's success in responding to such emergencies relies on the overall readiness of both established organisations and support from volunteers who have a strong sense of civic responsibility. This MoU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership for a joint national initiative to address crisis and emergency situations. Partnership and collaboration with the various government institutions will be instrumental to the overall success of the programme."

Dr. Saleh Hashim Al Hashimi said, "This initiative seeks to integrate the efforts of two strong organisations to form a unique volunteer programme that supports the national effort in the face of emergencies and crises. We can expect that the initial batch of volunteers will be fully trained and ready before the end of the year."

The programme is currently in its pilot phase and will be officially launched later this year; where volunteer recruitment will then be open to all citizens and residents of the UAE. During the pilot phase, volunteers who are aged 18 years and above were trained and equipped with the core essential skills.

To date, Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (ADCO), Injazat Data Systems and Aldar Properties teams have completed training in basic skills of emergency response. At the same time, the programme continues to receive applications for the next phase's training that will be conducted among entities and organisations in private and public sectors.

The National Programme for Volunteer Emergency Response is currently in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi Police, represented in the Department of Emergency and Public Safety, Department of Civil Defence in addition to Abu Dhabi University.