Friends in readiness to help
The trained friends of the Finnish Red Cross are an important part of the branch's aid readiness and chain of help at the local level. The Finnish Red Cross provides assistance in the event of, for example, a fire, flood, or other such accident whose consequences are disproportionate for the individual or family. Assistance begins no later than three days after the incident.
In aid situations, friends can, for example, provide emotional support, guide and advise on accessing official assistance, or carry out community volunteer work. Friends also play an important role in acting as the eyes and ears of their local community and in informing the branch's domestic aid contact person about accidents and incidents that have occurred in the area and any potential needs for assistance.
Friends have a great deal of know-how, the ability to listen, and experience of everyday aid situations. We encourage all friends to pursue further training through the Basic and Advanced Courses in Psychological Support as well as Domestic Aid training. Further information about the training is available from district staff.
We have produced a variety of materials on the role of volunteers in the friend activities as part of the Finnish Red Cross's overall preparedness (see materials below). Most recently, Friends Helping in the Heat — under the accordion you will find plenty of tips and concrete materials related to preparedness for heat and heat waves.
Materials (mostly in Finnish and Swedish)
In summer, it's worth enjoying the warmth, but at the same time you should take care of your own and others' wellbeing. Heat waves can be especially dangerous for the elderly and small children. As a friend volunteer, you can make sure during your visit that your friend has remembered to drink and help them cool down. On this page you'll find tips for coping with the heat.
See also the tips from the event model:
Attached is a checklist for the volunteer in Finnish and Swedish; check these things when you visit your friend. Also attached is a printable version (2 per A4). You can cut it in half and add your own notes to the list.
- Ikäihmiset ja helle, tarkistuslista vapaaehtoisille.pdf
- Ikäihmiset ja helle, tarkistuslista vapaaehtoisille tulostettava 2kpl A4.pdf
- Äldre personer och gassande väder - checklista för frivilliga.pdf
- Äldre personer och gassande väder - checklista för frivilliga (2 st per A4-ark).pdf
Attached is a checklist to leave with the friend client in Finnish and Swedish. Also, attached is a printable version (2 per A4). You can cut it in half, add your friend's own things to remember to the list, and attach it to the refrigerator door.
- Ikäihmiset ja helle, tarkistuslista ystäväasiakkaalle.pdf
- Ikäihmiset ja helle, tarkistuslista, tulostettava 2kpl A4 ystäväasiakkaat jääkaappi.pdf
- Äldre personer och gassande väder - checklista för vänkun.pdf
- Äldre personer och gassande väder - checlista för vänkunder (2 st per A4), kylskåp.pdf
If your friend is irritable, tired, or feeling nauseous, it could also be sunstroke. Check the related symptoms, first aid, and prevention.
