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communications, and mobility outside the established road network. The two first
county units to be upgraded are Trøndelag (implemented) and Troms (in progress).
Emergency communication network
Communication is a vital element in protection and rescue operations. A regional/
national Emergency Communication Network is therefore of the utmost importance
but represents one of the most difficult and costly steps. The Emergency network
will provide a unique tool for the reliable transfer of information between the rescue
organisations and civil participants.
New rescue helicopters
The procurement of new rescue helicopters will be of the greatest importance in the
coming 30 to 40 years, and will significantly improve our capacity for search-and-
rescue operations and for communication infrastructure in large-scale operations.
Delivery of the first new helicopters is scheduled for 2017 and the present helicopter
fleet will have been completely replaced by the end of 2020.
Emergency warning network
Several reports have identified a major need for improvements in the emergency
warning network. To solve this, larger and more robust emergency warning centres
will be built. The fire protection and rescue centres and the police operation centres
will be co-located with the emergency medical communication (AMK) centres of
the health system. One key conclusion in the Gjørv Commission report following
the 22
th
July 2011 tragedy was that the
emergency
resources failed to locate each
other
and that they needed to be better co-ordinated. The actions heralded above will
improve this situation.
The Rescue Service
The Rescue Service is an important element of the emergency system. This system
is built on the principle of co-ordination and co-action. It has existed since 1970.
This means that all necessary resources connected to rescue and life-saving
operations are individually registered, organised, trained and mobilised. The rescue
units are organised through co-operation between the public, volunteer and private
participants. Norwegian rescue operations have had the characteristics of a
Norwegian “
dugnad”
, with everyone working together. The two main rescue co-
ordination centres, at Sola (near Stavanger) and in Bodø, have co-operated in leading
rescue operations, supported by 27 local emergency control centres located in the
police districts.
I have here only treated emergency organisations and units that report to the
Ministry of Justice and Public Security. It must be emphasised that other ministries
and the units reporting to them also contribute to the work on civil preparedness in
case of emergencies. Central here are the ministries of Health and Defence.