Women's defense camp improves crisis skills for 300 participants

Nearly 300 women from Estonia, Finland, and Sweden, aged 7 to 70, spent the weekend at a camp run by the Women's Voluntary Defense Organization (Naiskodukaitse). Many had no prior forest experience, and the camp focused on basic knowledge of how to act in a crisis. Members of the organization realistically portrayed three casualties – one unconscious, one with an open wound, and one in shock – and participants had to provide first aid at the scene. After the adrenaline faded, a debriefing session followed. Then the group moved to a communications point. Such camps are organized annually for women who are not members to improve their crisis skills. This time, participants from Estonia, Finland, and Sweden took part for the first time. Participant Anu said she came to be ready for her family, and children also gained experience in coping in the forest. Seidi enjoyed the camper life, especially putting up and taking down a large military tent. Piia found the medical training most useful, particularly bandaging for heavy bleeding. The next skills camps will take place in Saaremaa and Põlva. For those wanting more extensive training, joining the Women's Voluntary Defense Organization is an option.