The Rescue School of the Rescue College

Vocational training in Väike-Maarja

On the level of vocational training, it is possible to specialize in the profession of a rescuer, a rescue specialist, or a dispatcher, and the training takes place in the Rescue School in Väike-Maarja. To ensure the highest possible level of professional aptitude of those aspiring to become rescue specialists, the requirement of work experience of at least three years has been established for the applicants. All the students Rescue School make use o f the modern training field, where it is possible to simulate situations as close as possible to reality to which each person taking on employment in the rescue service will be exposed. The internship of the students is performed in cooperation with the Regional Rescue Centers to ensure the highest possible level of preparation for rescue service of those taking up their post.

Training courses and rescue missions

The Rescue School itself has, since the year 2003, developed into a recognized venue for conducting international training courses. The school has hosted courses of continuing education in the framework of the programs such as the Partnership for Peace of NATO, various UN aid agencies – International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP), as well as other programs.

The teachers in Väike-Maarja Rescue School have themselves been involved as members of the Estonian Rescue Team in assessment and rescue missions in crisis regions in Indonesia, Pakistan and Haiti. Together with the students, they have participated in relieving the consequences of major disasters Estonia has suffered. Nearly every year, the students are involved in extinguishing forest and landscape fires and if necessary, assisting at liquidation of the effects of other major disasters.