Local emergency services in the Capital
At the Capital Red Cross, we work with a local emergency response team that, in close collaboration with local authorities, helps support some of Copenhagen's most vulnerable citizens in the event of a crisis situation.
Part of being a local emergency response organization means that we are prepared to shift our local efforts from everyday social efforts to crisis and emergency response efforts. We do this by mobilizing and organizing volunteers, creating local emergency plans, and training a team of psychosocial team leaders and emergency managers.
In the midst of an uncertain time
More and more Copenhageners are worried about the world situation – and not without reason. There are a lot of things happening around the world these days, and concerns about if or when these crises will reach the country's borders are becoming more and more common.
At the Red Cross Capital, we are ready to support the organization needed in crisis situations. We have the necessary skills and equipment, and we can adapt and mobilize very quickly. We have previously demonstrated this during major crisis situations such as the Corona pandemic, the shooting in Fields and in connection with the reception of Ukrainian refugees at the Central Station in Copenhagen.
HERE WE ARE LOCALLY PRESENT
We mobilize and handle local and spontaneous volunteers
When crises or disasters occur, we are ready to mobilize our more than 3.500 volunteers to also benefit and support local emergency response. In addition, we have the necessary experience and skills to welcome the many spontaneous volunteers who typically come forward when major incidents occur.
We offer psychological first aid to those affected
Mental first aid is about compassionate care and a friendly conversation with those affected who suddenly find themselves in the middle of a chaotic situation. We train volunteers and employees in the psychosocial method in order to promote security, calm and action. We did this, for example, in 2022 when we established safety zones at Copenhagen Central Station for the many Ukrainian refugees who came to the country at that time.
In addition, our Victim counseling ready to provide support and guidance to victims and those affected by major incidents or crises.
We assist local authorities
When a crisis occurs, we support the local authorities' emergency response efforts by providing human proximity, care and support to those affected. Together with our emergency manager and volunteers, we respond with psychological first aid and carry out practical tasks - such as during the corona pandemic, when we accompanied several hundred elderly Copenhageners to get vaccinated.
Local collaborations are the way forward
On a daily basis, we collaborate with local authorities, and in particular our Victim Advice and Samaritan Corps are on hand when, for example, the Municipality of Copenhagen needs our help to create safety in the nightlife or when the Copenhagen Police needs our psychosocial efforts in connection with crime or accidents.
'In 2025, the night hosts have had a very successful and close collaboration with the Red Cross Samaritans and the Victims' Advice Service. The collaboration has increased safety in the nightlife and helped to relieve the pressure on the pre-hospital emergency services during the intensive periods of nightlife. Their presence helps to
create calm in situations where both injured persons and relatives may tend to panic slightly.'
– Christian Klinke, Head of Night Hosts & Security Guards, Municipality of Copenhagen
Can you remain calm when other people's lives are in chaos?
An important part of our local emergency response work is our Victim Advice Service, which is ready to help victims, witnesses and relatives of crime, accidents or shocking events - free of charge and anonymously around the clock.
As a volunteer victim counselor, you can help create peace and security – for example in connection with crises.
The more we are, the stronger we stand.
We are looking for volunteers who:
- Interested in people and preferably psychology
- Is patient, good at listening and meets people with respect
- Would like to be part of a large and strong volunteer community
- Want to make a difference every time you counsel a victim, relative or witness.
Part of a national strategy
At the Red Cross, we have a national focus on people in exposed and vulnerable positions, and we have extensive experience in targeting our efforts and communication specifically to them. This means that we can help those affected better and more safely through the crisis, and that we can limit the unpleasant after-effects that a crisis can bring. As the Red Cross, we are ready and always present – even when a crisis occurs.
You can read more about Red Cross national emergency response here.
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What does Victim Counseling offer?
At Victim Advice in the Capital Region, local volunteers are ready to help victims, witnesses and relatives of crime, accidents or shocking events - free of charge and anonymously around the clock.
Read more about Victim Counseling -
What does the Samaritans offer?
The Capital Samaritan Corps provides first aid for injuries and illnesses at events such as festivals, concerts, sporting events and corporate events.
Read more about The Samaritans -
Can I become a member of the Red Cross Capital?
As a member, you help support our efforts, which help over 13.000 people in the Capital every year.
Read more about membership