About us

Guiding principles of SAMARITAN INTERNATIONAL

SAMARITAN INTERNATIONAL is a European federation of non-profit and non-governmental organizations independent from political parties and churches, working in the area of first aid in cases of emergencies and diseases with democratic participation of a large number of citizens as members, volunteers and supporters and dedicated to the history of the Samaritan movement.

SAMARITAN INTERNATIONAL is committed to expanding a network of European aid systems ranging from emergency first-aid services to emergency aid in response to disasters on the basis of common minimum standards at the local, regional, national and European level, while allowing for flexibility at the regional level and involving the participation of non-governmental organizations.

SAMARITAN INTERNATIONAL regards first-aid training, emergency rescue and transport services for the ill as inseparable components of a networked aid system which cannot be viewed from the standpoint of competitive aspects alone if the efficiency of the system as a whole is to be improved.

SAMARITAN INTERNATIONAL is committed to the involvement of non-governmental organizations formed through local and regional popular initiative in emergency rescue operations and transport services for the ill as a prerequisite for attractive, efficient, self-determined participation of volunteers in the field of disaster aid.

SAMARITAN INTERNATIONAL sees the involvement of volunteers as a basic prerequisite for a functioning aid system, promotes the establishment of appropriate framework conditions for the voluntary work and supports the international exchange of volunteers.

SAMARITAN INTERNATIONAL fosters mutual understanding among all European aid systems through publications, expert meetings, conferences and exchange programs among the member associations.

SAMARITAN INTERNATIONAL sees first-aid training for the general public as a basic prerequisite for self-help in everyday and extraordinary emergency situations.

SAMARITAN INTERNATIONAL promotes mutual projects devoted to humanitarian aid abroad and the coordination of SAINT projects in the crisis areas.

SAMARITAN INTERNATIONAL contributes to the development of a European civil society by fostering the growth of politically neutral, non-sectarian, non-governmental organizations in Central and Eastern Europe.

SAMARITAN INTERNATIONAL considers itself a mediator between European institutions and its member associations in matters relating to the development and implementation of European standards for emergency medical care, volunteer work and humanitarian aid abroad.