The Austrian Red Cross' independent disaster relief service provides assistance upon demand in national and international emergencies.

All disaster relief service employees have been specially trained to rescue, provide first aid treatment to, and transport wounded persons.

These employees are well acquainted with the use of their special equipment. Red Cross disaster relief supplies in each of the nine provinces include tents, blankets, field beds, and medical supplies. Red Cross staff receive special training in conditioning drinking water. This service is particularily important in the Emergency Response Units. Austrian Red Cross water engineers have already saved thousands of lives in various regions of war and other disasters, for example, in Iraq, Zaire, and Tanzania.

Many people are rescued by Red Cross search dogs. Whether in Austria or abroad, whether buried under an avalanche or under masses of earth or debris, victims often owe their lives to a dog's excellent sense of smell. Rescue dogs often prove to be quicker and more reliable than any highly sophisticated piece of equipment.

Annual Report: International Aid 2010
International Aid - Mission Statement