HSSR Rookie Training

Please note that to participate in the rookie training, it is necessary to have some basic understanding of Icelandic, as all teaching material is conducted in Icelandic. During search and rescue with fully qualified rescuers, all operations are conducted in Icelandic, and it is therefore necessary to be able to understand and speak Icelandic upon completion of the rookie training.

HSSR offers intensive rookie training, which begins in early September each year. The program will be presented at open meetings on August 25th and 27th, where interested parties will have the opportunity to learn about the rookie training program, the work of the unit, the facilities and equipment. There you can also meet rookies and members of the unit and get answers to your questions.

The meetings take place at the village's premises at Malarhöfði 6 (M6) and begin at 7:00 PM.

Useful URLs

General information about rookie training

The initial training usually lasts 21 months. Great emphasis is placed on team spirit and cooperation, while also building individual initiative and self-reliance. During the training, new recruits learn everything that goes into the work of a rescue team and attend mandatory courses, training trips, new recruit nights (usually held every other Monday) and participate in fundraising.

  • The first year (N1) focuses on basic training in safety and skills for rescue situations. There will be plenty to do in courses, trips and exercises!
  • The second year (N2) requires more independence than in the previous one. Newcomers 2 begin working with the squadron's groups and take even more responsibility for their own progress in training, in addition to completing several mandatory courses.

Participants need to be physically and mentally well prepared, ready for challenging tasks, have a good command of Icelandic, and show initiative and resilience.

Important dates for new members

If you are interested in participating, please note the following events:

📌 3. september: Evening hike to Helgafell in Hafnarfjörður – meeting at 5:30 PM.
📌 6. september: Day hike at Vörðuskeggja – meet at M6 at 08:00 AM.
📌 8. september: Equipment presentation on M6 at 7:00 PM.
📌 10. september: The application deadline for new recruit training has passed.
📌 12.-14. september: Tourism and navigation course at lake Úlfljótsvatn.
📌 23. september: Newcomers' Night – evening class and short practice.
📌 26-28 september: Weekend hike with sleeping in tents.

✅ Important: If you are planning to participate in the rookie training, make sure you can attend these events!

Courses during the training period

The first year emphasizes that new recruits become self-reliant and able to ensure their own safety in rescue operations. The main courses are:

  • Tourism and navigation
  • First aid
  • Mountaineering
  • Telecommunications
  • Social support
  • Walking on a glacier
  • Avalanche 1
  • Swift water rescue
  • Search techniques

In addition to courses, newcomers participate in numerous trips, including winter camping trips, cross-country skiing trips, and snowshoe building.

Newcomer validation

Most members will be fully certified 21 months after training begins. During the training, each new member is assessed by training supervisors and course instructors. Assessment requirements are based on the person’s usefulness in rescue work and include attendance, performance, interest and social skills. New members are certified at the HSSR general meeting in May, during the second year of training.

To complete training, you must:
✅ Complete and pass certain mandatory courses.
✅ Have participated and shown interest and initiative in courses, training trips and new member evenings.
✅ Show activity in the work of the unit and are comfortable working with a group of people.

Fundraising – an important part of the job

HSSR’s work is entirely funded by fundraising, and new members are therefore expected to actively participate. HSSR’s fundraising projects include:

💥 Fireworks sales and Emergency Calls
🚧 Maintenance of hiking trails in the Hengill area.
🎆 Installation and execution of fireworks displays.

Strong participation in these projects is key to the continued work of the group.

Contact us
📧 If you have any questions, feel free to email us at nylidar@hssr.is.