Estonia is preparing to trial a new social ambulance service concept in partnership with the Estonian Red Cross and the Ministry of the Interior, expected to commence in Pärnu County next spring. The initiative aims to alleviate the workload on police and emergency responders by providing targeted assistance for non-emergency social situations that typically fall outside the purview of standard emergency services.

The social ambulance team will respond to cases that are not deemed urgent by the emergency call center, such as individuals who may have fallen or those requiring urgent social assistance after days without help. For example, the service could assist vulnerable people living in cold conditions or those who may have become homeless during severe weather. Additionally, the team will offer psychological first aid when necessary, further broadening the scope of support available.

Initially, the social ambulance will consist of two trained volunteers from the Red Cross, each having undergone 160 hours of first aid training along with psychological support training. This innovative service marks a significant shift in how Estonia addresses social care, potentially serving as a model for other countries facing similar challenges in balancing emergency response capabilities with social welfare needs.