If you want to help your community during an emergency then ensuring that your immediate neighbours are aware of, and prepared to handle, an imminent incident is a good start. In the longer term your Parish or Town Council may welcome your support in preparing and maintaining plans for your local community’s response.

If you want to get involved on a broader scale, then approach one of the voluntary organisations which regularly help the local authorities and emergency services. The main ones are listed alphabetically below. They may require extended training and other commitments before allowing you to be part of the emergency response. Links to their websites are provided at the bottom of this page.

Main voluntary organisations providing help during an emergency

Web links, where we have them, are all provided below.

Bucks Search and Rescue
(known as BSAR)
Carry out search and rescue operations for the police in both urban and rural locations.

BUX and Oxon 4 x 4 Response Group
(known as BORG)
Provide all-road and all-weather transport with experienced drivers and their own vehicles to support other responders. Call the Secretary on 07765 426595.

British Red Cross Society
(known as the Red Cross)
First aid and emotional support to victims and their responders. Call 0845 054 7111.

Radio Amateurs Emergency Network
(known as Raynet)
Provide resilient communications capability through UHF and VHF radio, should mobile or landline networks fail.

Salvation Army
Christian church based organisation providing catering, welfare, and administration, tracing relatives and some escorted transport. Call 01296 398336.

St John Ambulance
(known as St John's)
Support to frontline ambulance service, first aid and emotional support to victims and their responders. Call 01296 398336.

WRVS (formerly known as Womens Royal Voluntary Service)
Administration, catering and welfare, particularly rest centres. Supporting victims and responders.

Date Published: 28/03/08