Abstract
Aim: To identify areas of potential co-operation between organizations engaged with safety of the public.
Introduction: Public safety requirements are changing and as civilization develops such requirements take on an interdisciplinary character. Among the dangers to people’s life and health one encounters natural hazards e.g. caused by flooding. The sense of security is one of human’s primary needs. Public safety lies within the competency area of public administration. The Polish State Fire Service (PSP) and medical rescue teams are responsible for undertaking rescue activities. They may be supported by non-governmental institutions. Water rescue organisations have at their disposal qualified personnel with knowledge and skills necessary to undertake water rescue activities. The mission of the Water Rescue Voluntary Service (WOPR) is to reduce the number of victims who drown in Polish waters. WOPR has led rescue activities during periods of general alert, natural catastrophes and technical failures including floods, and organised the training of rescue services. The organisation has collaborated with the Polish Ministry of Defence, Police Service, Government Protection Department, Border Guard Service and the National Firefighting and Rescue System (KSRG). An agreement concerning co-operation between KSRG and WOPR focused on the creation of optimal conditions to exploit technical and administrative potential, to secure an effective discharge of individual responsibilities as well as ensure a safe environment for people participating in water sport and leisure activities. The outcome from this agreement culminated in the integration of WOPR crews into the crisis management system. WOPR reaction crews are engaged with overseeing dedicated sectors and, depending on type and magnitude of public hazard, join in rescue operations during environmental disasters. In the Małopolskie Voivodship WOPR and PSP personnel co-operated during flood operations and took part in numerous joint training courses and exercises for firefighters and water rescue personnel.
Methodology: An analysis of studies, legal acts and documents and public surveys.
Conclusions: 1. Interdisciplinary co-operation, within the scope of water rescue activities, should be developed. 2. Water rescue techniques should be perfected and equipment standardised. 3. Joint exercises should be organised and all personnel engaged in water rescue activities should participate. 4. The knowledge, skills and experience of WOPR instructors should be harnessed in the training of firefighters engaged in water rescue work. 5. It is appropriate to implement preventative water safety measures for a range of different circumstances.
Keywords: safety, national system of emergency response, WOPR, PSP
Type of article: review article