Civil Defence
Introduction
Civil Defence is a volunteer organisation that supports front line emergency services and local communities. It has 3,500 members trained in a range of services.
Although members join through their local authority, the Civil Defence Branch of the Department of Defence manages and develops Civil Defence. It provides training, policy direction and administrative support at a national level.
Services
Civil Defence assist front line services in dealing with:
- Incidents of severe weather
- Flooding
- Major accidents
- The search for missing people.
They also attend large events such as concerts, matches, festivals, air shows and parades. If you want the Civil Defence to be present at an event you’re organising, you can apply to the Civil Defence Officer in your local authority.
Training
Initial volunteer training takes place at local Civil Defence branches. Courses include:
- First aid
- Search and rescue
- Auxiliary fire service
- Radiation monitoring
- Welfare
- Communication
You can get information about how to volunteer on the Civil Defence website.
Volunteers who have undergone training and gained extensive experience at a local level can qualify as instructors. Instructor training takes place in Civil Defence headquarters in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary and in Ratra House, Phoenix Park, Dublin.
Further information and contact