ELITE SPECIAL TASK FORCE (EP.OM.E.A.) EGALEO
In the summer of 2003, in Thessaloniki, the Epilekti Omada Edikon Apostolon Dimou Thessalonikis (Elite Special Task Force of Thessaloniki's Municipality) was founded after a change at the Charter of the four years old Scout team named Epilekti Omada Edikon Apostolon Hortiati (Elite Special Task Force of Hortiati) remaining loyal to the cause and beliefs. In 2005 it became member of the General Secretarial For Civil Protection with the Reg no:16/2005
Later on, the family of "Epilekti" grew up by founding new autonomous teams in Sintiki, Aegaleo with Reg.no 25/2014, Korinthos, Panorama Larissa, Volo, Kilkis, Viotia and Epanomi. Each of the team is independent with their own board of directors but for common education, knowledge and training purposes all the training schedule and control of the teams is done by EP.OM.E.A Greece.
The purpose of all the EP.OM.E.A teams is the protection of life, health and property of the citizens and nature, and the organization of sports and cultural events.
More specifically:
• The response in crisis, either man-made (war), or natural disaster (earthquake, fire, floods) within Greece or abroad.
• The immediate and effective response to accidents or diseases, the citizens' training and organization and adoption of preventive measures for the above misfortunate situations.
• The implementation of environmental protective measures (fire protection, cleansing etc) relating to health and quality of life.
• The improvement of the quality of life for vulnerable groups and disabled people.
Training of Members
In order to be able to participate in the EP.OM.E.A teams every citizen has to successfully complete a five-month Basic school. The courses, theoretical and practical, are held at specifically designed operating areas every Monday and Wednesday between 20:00 and 22:00 by Certified Professionals for each and every different subject.
After having attended the Basic School and having successfully passed the compulsory examinations the volunteers will choose one of the below mentioned Specialities: First aid, Mountain rescue, Marine rescue, Forest protection, Crisis management, Rescue dog training, Telecommunications, Internet and Use of New Technologies.
General Secretariat for Civil protection Reg.No. 25/2014