– I see it as serious research where you examine what makes us react when people are in need. Is it a reflex? An act of impulse? Is it enough to think about the consequences? That’s what Oddvar Hansen says to news. Before the emergency services arrived, the local population, cottagers and holidaymakers rescued young people from the water and took care of them on land. Hansen and Lill Hege Rostad participated in the research work on the efforts of volunteers when crises arise. They believe that the research recognizes the efforts made by volunteers. – For our part, we didn’t think about what we were getting ourselves into when we took the boat out into the Tyrifjorden to rescue terrified young people from Utøya. We kind of didn’t have time to think about it, we just did it. We realized that we needed help, then we are prepared to react, says Hansen. – A response that happened automatically Researcher in social security, Stian Antonsen at NTNU Social Research, together with several colleagues have spoken to many of those who contributed at Utøya during the terrorist attack. Social security researcher Stian Antonsen believes that understanding the culture of a society is a crucial prerequisite for preparedness. Photo: NTNU – What surprised me was that they did not spend time on thoughts and assessments. They just got right into action. It was a response that happened automatically, there was no alternative, he says. Hansen recognizes that response. – In retrospect, one might say that it was a good thing that we didn’t think too much, then maybe we would have been afraid and retreated. Maybe action paralysis. I don’t think anyone knows for sure how they will react until they suddenly find themselves in the middle of it. No one reacts the same way, says Hansen. Large international research project The research is part of a larger EU project in which eight countries look at the role of ordinary citizens during major disasters. In addition to Norway, Sweden, France, Spain, Italy, Israel, Belgium and Romania participated. Both natural disasters, such as the earthquake in Italy in 2016, major accidents and other terrorist attacks are investigated. Hansen was awarded medals for noble deeds for his rescue efforts, and is excited to see what the results of the research will show. – It will be exciting to see the research on this, whether it is found that there is a common reaction pattern in all countries or whether there are differences. If something is instinct, reflex or a deep feeling of wanting to believe, Hansen explains. King Harald greets Oddvar Hansen after he received the gold medal for a noble deed. The same medal was also awarded to Jørn Øverby, Otto Kristian Løvik, Erik Martinsen Øvergaard and Lill Hege Rostad. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB Not everyone is positive about the research project Brede Johbraaten, owner of Utvika Camping, took part in the rescue work on land on 22 July. He is fed up with the fact that there is always digging in the incident. Johbraaten has received an offer to take part in the research, but has declined. – We are simply tired and fed up with everything that has happened in these eleven years. We can’t bear to start digging into the case again, he says. – Did you consider it dangerous to help? – In such a situation, one acts out of reflex, and does not think through dangerous situations. You just do what you have to, explains Johbraaten. Brede Johbraaten has declined to take part in the research project. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB He himself believes that the 22 July commission went into the matter thoroughly enough, and that it should be enough to read their report. news knows that several people have chosen not to take part in the research project. The effort from the civilian population was decisive. The aim is that the research can form a basis for social security and preparedness. During the terrorist attack on Utøya, the efforts of the civilian population were decisive, and the helpers who contributed make Antonsen optimistic. – They do it on reflex, and at risk to themselves, to help others. There were over 100 of them and only one perpetrator. Fortunately, they are cowardly teams. 77 people were killed during the terrorist attack in the government quarter and at AUF’s summer camp on Utøya on 22 July 2011. At Utøya, several residents and holidaymakers helped save young people who fled the island. Photo: Heiko Junge / NTB
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The efforts of the aid workers at Utøya on 22 July will be part of EU research: – No one reacts the same way – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
