TOGETHER WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE: THE ROLE OF VOLUNTEERS – SLOVENIAN RED CROSS FIRST AID TEAM MEMBERS IN RESPONDING TO THE PANDEMIC

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, showed us how vulnerable we are as communities, societies and countries, and how we, as humanity, are still unimaginably affected by things we are unprepared for. However, the vulnerabilities of society can be mitigated and limited together – by the state, local communities and civil society. The role of volunteers who always respond, are the foundation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations, which work all over the world. They have been present in Slovenia for 157 years. This is why in the Slovenian Red Cross we encourage and build a sense of solidarity and understanding of the plights of others, and we introduce planned training of volunteers and professional colleagues for the implementation of our mission and functions. The Slovenian Red Cross first aid team members are perhaps the best example.