Every day the Technische Hilfswerk (THW) is in action somewhere in Germany and around the world. This level of activity ensures the federal agency can fulfil its statutory mandate and also invest significant resources into preparation, since accidents and disasters are neither predictable nor plannable. It is important for the THW to conduct good training, prepare well in exercises, and be ready at all times. Collectively, the volunteer THW operatives are in action to protect the population for more than one million hours per year.

National

As a partner in Germany’s civil protection, the Technische Hilfswerk (THW) is there to assist the population in the wake of disasters and accidents. THW operatives are in action every day. They specialise in providing skilled and rapid assistance. Core tasks include supporting fire brigades, rescuing buried survivors and salvaging property, but THW expertise is much broader. In thousands of deployments each year, THW operatives from around 40 technical units and squads master challenges as they deal with floods, power outages or drinking water contamination.

International

As a humanitarian ambassador for the Federal Republic of Germany, the Technische Hilfswerk (THW) helps the country fulfil its common global responsibility to help people in need. The first foreign operation for the THW was in the Netherlands in February 1953, with operatives helping to deal with the consequences of severe flooding. In 1999, the French population nicknamed the THW operatives “Blue Angels” when they helped clear up damage in the wake of Hurricane Lothar. These are just two examples of international deployments from the long and eventful history of the THW, which has seen operations in more than 140 countries. The two THW Rapid Deployment Units – Search and Rescue Abroad and Water Supply Abroad – ensure the agency can provide immediate assistance wherever it is needed worldwide. It also advises and supports the coordination of relief efforts.