We provide voluntary help to anyone in danger.
Our volunteers act with credibility, solidarity, equality, and a focus on prevention.
• Credibility: Our volunteers act with consistency, responsibility, and respect while maintaining a high level of training. This ensures effective results.
• Solidarity: We place great emphasis on the protection of human life, acting with selflessness, equality, and a strong sense of responsibility toward those in need.
• Equality: Our volunteers provide help irrespective of age, gender, or nationality, promoting respect and equal treatment for all.
• Prevention:
We aim to raise the level of public awareness and sensitivity regarding prevention.
We train our members to reduce risks while encouraging self-protection and personal responsibility in emergencies.
HRT is a non-profit, non-governmental rescue team with over 2,000 volunteer members throughout Greece, who have been participating in search and rescue operations for over 30 years, both domestically and abroad.
Our headquarters are located in Thessaloniki, supported by 35 branches across Greece, enabling us to cover operations in most regions.
HRT is certified by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection and is the only Greek organization that is a member of:
During major international crises, HRT collaborates with:
HRT collaborates closely with the authorities in every search and rescue operation. We are always called upon when needed.
To support these operations, HRT possesses all necessary rescue equipment and highly trained volunteers.
Our resources include: 24 fully equipped rescue boats across Greece, Rescue vehicles and fire brigade vehicles, Stretchers, first aid equipment, water generators, and special gear in earthquake rescue, Volunteers’ personal rescue gear
Additionally, HRT utilizes a certified emergency radio frequency (146.500 MHz FM) and a radio network covering both mainland Greece and its islands.
Beyond rescue operations, HRT focuses on informing, training, and raising public awareness.
With the support of our branches, we organize training sessions and seminars nationwide, visiting schools to train both teachers and students in First Aid and safe crisis management, including actions following an earthquake. We also hold conferences and seminars to enhance public sensitivity in terms of prevention and emergency management.
During the refugee crisis in Greece (2014-2015), HRT successfully completed over 1,100 rescue missions, saving 2,500 people and helping 7,000 refugees safely reach the coasts of Lesvos, Samos, and Kos.
In recognition of our outstanding rescue work, we were awarded the Nansen Award by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
In December 2017, we also received the Mother Teresa Social Justice Award from the Harmony Institute of India. This award honors individuals and organizations around the world for their humanitarian efforts and contributions to social justice.
Our team has participated in major operations and missions both in Greece and abroad, in cases of emergencies and large-scale natural disasters.
During the Aigio earthquake (1995), our volunteers rescued young Andreas after being trapped for 3 days under debris.
In the Athens and Turkey earthquakes (1999), our teams reached Constantinople before official state mechanisms were activated
During the Haiti earthquake (2010), our volunteers located and rescued 23-year-old Exodus after other teams had ceased their operations
In Turkey (2023), we contributed to the rescue of 3 people
During the floods in Thessaly (2023), we operated in Volos, Larissa, Karditsa, Grevena, and Trikala
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