My diary from Utøya 18-21st August 2011

(Norwegian version here)
Utøya (photo: auf.no)

Wikipedia article about the bomb in Oslo and shootings at Utøya island on the 22nd July 2011

Initially: Everyone involved in this action were urged to restrain form taking pictures - and not least publication online of images. Normally I would have taken lots of pictures, but I respected this off course. The camera stayed in my suitcase this weekend.

I have written this blog because the weekend gave me a lot of impressions that I know need to be processed. The Red Cross has set up a professional monitoring of the volunteers through Soscon AS. I think it may be very useful for me also to write about it. And I know that some of those who were not present in this operation, may be interested in getting some insight into the program and volunteers’ experiences. I will of course be careful to identify others outside the organization. I have asked for permission from the persons mentioned in the blog, and have a go ahead from them all.

DIARY
Monday 15th August
Late breakfast. On Saturday our youngest son Ketil married Sonia. Was not quite finished with the pile of weekend newspapers. The last week of our holidays. The phone rings. It is Randi Hammerstrøm, the General Manager of the Oslo Red Cross. She asked if I would consider to be a volunteer at a major event on Utøya concerning the visit of two groups to the island: 1) The relatives if those who died there, and 2) The survivors. Since we had already made plans for a trip this last holiday week, I conferred Turid first. She immediately agreed that I had to do this. Called back to Randi and said "yes."
The Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB) had been commissioned by the Minister of Justice to organize the event. A coordination committee (KO) was formed consisting of people from the Police, Civil Defence, Norwegian People's Aid, Norwegian Red Cross, Nettbuss (transport), The Armed forces, the rescue company and the Labour Party. Norwegian People's Aid would have first aid during the week end. The Rescue Company participated with a rescue boat with crew plus a crew for the ferry "Thorbjorn". The Red Cross's mission was to have approx. 90 volunteers to assist those who were invited to visit Utøya Friday, 19^th and Saturday 20^th August. We were recruited from eight districts in the South Eastern Norway. Eight of us were from Oslo Red Cross where I am a volunteer. Norwegian Red Cross had a management team consisting of four people, one of which was in KO at the Sundvolden Hotel. The volunteers were asked to meet at the Norwegian Red Cross' headquarters Thursday at 9 AM on Thursday.
Wednesday 17th August
Packing. The weather forecast for the three days Utøya varied from hot/sunny to rain. So I had to bring with me more clothes and shoes than I normally would pack.
Thursday 18th August
My wife drove me to the head office in Norway Red Cross in Hausmannsgate in Oslo at 9 AM. Called from the car to two buddies had a birthday today.

Meeting in the HD conference hall (Henry Dunant - Red Cross’ founder). There were lots of Red Cross people I did not know. Some of them are in the Relief and Emergency Corps, the others are active in other activities - in the Care area.  I am Street mediation instructor and a visitor in prison. We received the first information about what was to happen. Were given a t-shirt with the inscription "Ask Me" and a dark blue Red Cross fleece jacket ("delegate jacket"). And ID.

My ID (photo: flutnace)

Then we walked over to hotel Radisson Blu Oslo Plaza where the bus service to Utøya was. We volonteers were to see the Utøya the day before our first job.

After arriving by bus at Utvika camping site, we were carried over to Utøya on a strange, but effective, "bridge-boat", operated by the Army Engineering Unit. It looked like a bridge on top of three water-jet-powered pontoons. It seated 130 people. An excellent craft.
The purpose of the visit today was to get to know the island Utøya. Most of us had not been there before. We were divided into two groups and then shown around. We got to see the main house, the barn, the football field, The Lovers Trail, Cape Naked, the Cafe building, tent camping space and the school building.
This tour was pretty tough, I think, because during the walk around the island I had many fantasies in my head about what I've heard that happened 22nd July. Here I was on the same paths that youth in AUF had been running trying to escape the terrorist - just three weeks ago. The cliff above the shallow waters of the west, along the Lovers Trail. There was no possibilities to hide there. Now all was cleared up. But we could see some marks of the bullet’s hits in the wall in the Café building. We were not told anything about exactly where people were found dead.

The "Bridge-boat" (photo: Norwegian Army)

We were out on the island about two hours. Return trip on the Rescue Company’s boat transported here from the Oslo Fjord depot. The great Army boat (se above) was out of service due to engine trouble (fan belt broke). This was fixed the same evening.
So we went to Sundvolden Hotel. Here we received further information at 14.30 and we got the name and telephone number of the contact person to "our family" that we would host the next day. Then went back to Oslo in the bus to our hotel Thon Hotel Slottsparken (near the King’s castle) in Wergelandsveien. Next meeting was at 9 PM after dinner at 8. In the meantime, we were to call "our family" to give them the first information and agree where and when we would meet the next day. Most relatives who were going to Utøya, lived at the Radisson Hotel Blu Hotel in Oslo. I.e. most agreed to meet them there on Friday to go together by bus into Sundvollen. My group, however, were going to drive from their home direct to Sundvolden Hotel.
When I called my contact, I had a hunch that it would be crowded and probably some waiting for the police from KRIPOS that were to show the site the next day. I therefore suggested that we met as early as 11 AM on Friday, approx. 1 hour before the first bus would arrive from Oslo. If we could be out to Utøya before this, we would probably save a lot of waiting time. This assumption proved to be a smart one.
So dinner at the hotel. The hotel had miscalculated the amount of food in the hot buffet, so not all had dinner. The quality of the food was so-so. Embarrassing, but I can perhaps excuse the hotel that they really are a "Bed and Breakfast" hotel.
At the meeting after dinner we discussed issues concerning how we approached "our family". Personally, this was completely unproblematic. I got very positive reception, but a few of my colleagues in the Red Cross reported that they were told that the family did not need them. However, the police demanded that all the survivor groups who were going to visit Utøya on Friday, had to have host from Red Cross with them. The host was thus the "ticket" to get out of Utøya. With this information to the families, all problems were solved for all hosts.
Our job as hosts was to: Provide information about what was to happen, accompany them to Utøya, be with them during their stay there and escort them back to Sundvolden - possibly Oslo. Help with additional information if necessary. Listen to what they had to say. Hold their hand if needed. Volunteers of the Red Cross Care are caring persons - not mental health workers (there were six health care units at Utøya).
After the meeting I did a quick walk to the local pub “Lorry” with three Red Cross colleagues.
Friday 19 August
Up early to catch the bus to Sundvolden at 9. Arrive at the hotel in good time before “my” group. A lot of guards and police at the hotel. The hotel was closed off for others than those who had valid task there..
”My” group, consisting of five persons, including a girl of 13 years and a person from the municipality's emergency team, arrived at the hotel at 11AM. I was looking forward to the meeting. The instructions I had received, made me confident in what to do. We sat down at a table outside the hotel and I explained them the plan. When this was done, they were rather impatient to get started right away. We therefore walked down to an empty "Shuttle bus" that would take us to the pier - and stepped on board. The driver closed the door and my group was alone in the bus. We were transported the pier where we entered "Thorbjorn" which is the regular ferry to Utøya. Again, the only group aboard. The trip over to Utøya takes five minutes. Went ashore and walked up to KRIPOS’ (criminal police) tent, where I announced our arrival. We were the first group that arrived Utøya Friday. We were told to wait for five minutes in the main tent on the football field, they would then be ready. Two police came and introduced themselves. A man about 45 and a woman 35. Their task was to show the family where their deceased was found. Only a short distance to walk there for our group. The area, like all the other six crime scenes on the island, was blocked off with ropes. The KRIPOS people explained how the person was found - where the head was and where her legs were. Where on the body there were hits by bullets. My family said nothing. It was surreal and a very emotional scene. The police, I and the person from the municipality stepped a bit back. The family had a memorial that was prepared - flowers, candles and a picture that was put on the site. This took about 40 minutes.
Afterwards, the family wanted to take a walk on the island to see the places they had heard so many good stories about. Eventually we came back to the main tent and had some food (supplied by Sundvolden Hotel). Then we strolled down to the pier and got a ride back to the mainland. Waited 10 minutes for the bus back to Sundvolden Hotel. The farewell was heartily. They expressed gratitude that they had been able to visit Utøya and thanked me for standing up with them. I told the 13-year-old that she is a great girl. Then they went back to their home. My main mission today was completed. The time was 14.30. For me, timing had gone well. Later that evening I heard some of my Red Cross friends had to wait up to 4 hours before KRIPOS could take them to the crime scene. This they should not be criticized for. One of the sites had 13 dead. Each visiting group was given the time they needed there, undisturbed by other groups. This took time. I guess that the average waiting time was an hour. But only five minutes in my case.
I strolled into the hotel. What met me? The best lunch table I have ever seen and experienced in a hotel. Anywhere. I shall not attempt to describe it in greater detail. Given the bad experience with dinner the day before in Oslo, I ate long and well. A lot of healthy food. So I gave myself acceptance for some pie: Cream cake, tiramisu and cheese cake.
Back by bus to Oslo at 4 o’clock. Arrival at the hotel at 5. The last one from Red Cross arrived at the hotel at midnight, but most of us were at dinner at 8 PM and debrief at 9.
Our task the next day - when the survivors were to visit the island - would be a little different from today’s activities.
Saturday 20th August
Up at 6:30 to catch the breakfast (which was quite OK). Off to Radissons Blu Oslo Plaza hotel at 7.30 AM. Today’s task was to be host on the buses with the survivors and an accompanying persons (usually a father or mother). 4 buses were set up from Plaza, 15 from Opera hotel, and six from Sundvolden. 2-3 bus hosts from the Red Cross on each bus. The task was to provide information about the day on the island. We went on board the great ship from The Army . Well over on the island, everyone was left to themselves. Remember: Those here today were those who survived the hell day 22.7. They were familiar with the island and each other. Many of them meeting buddies for the first time since the massacre. There were many good scenes to day. Our mission was to “be there” and step in when needed. No one requested my services to day. I therefore spent the day to speak with other volunteers, for example the people in Civil Defence, which I know little about. I also remet with the great KRIPOS guys I had been with the day before. I got a pretty long talk with the policeman. He was quite open about what he had been involved in. Once again it strikes me how great the Norwegian police are. Some of my closest neighbours and friends are police at the Local police station in Oslo and Traffic Police. So there is nothing new to me that cops are good people. But I think it is appropriate to mention this here too, since some media have been critical about some the police operations on the 22.7. No connection between the police this day and those on the 22.7. But I just wanted to say this anyway.
The Prime Minister arrived at the island at 12 o'clock. There were many friends to greet him. I stuck my hand out too, when he passed me. He looked at me and said, "The Red Cross, GOOD".
At 1 PM there was a ceremony at the Hill. Many people gathered. Ingrid Olava song, Jens Stoltenberg made a speech, som did Eskil Pedersen (president of AUF) and Ingrid Olava song again. At the end all the AUF held hands and sang one of their own songs with frenetic clapping during the song. Then I thought: "Now we AUFers all of us." And - why not?
Afterwards, many walked down to the pier where we eventually were allowed on board the "Thorbjorn". So to a bus back to Sundvolden Hotel, which was necessary for someone from the Red Cross. There was need for some of us at the hall where all the identified effects were displayed for collection. I was in the paddock for an hour. Again, the role of our "being present".
So by bus back to Sundvolden Hotel and after a short while went to Thon Hotel Opera in Oslo. One of my new Red Cross friends and I strolled through the centre of Oslo to our own hotel. She was from Telemark and not so well known with Oslo. I was therefore pleased to be a Oslo Guide. We passed the Cathedral with all the flowers, The government building where the bomb went off, the courthouse (rear and front) and I pointed out other sights in the city. This was the first time I have guided in Norwegian in Oslo. Last time it was in English for my Canadian family who visited  Norway two years ago.
There was a meeting in the hotel at 7 with dinner.
After the meeting I managed to squeeze a quick visit to the pub “Lorry” with three other Red Cross colleagues :-)
Sunday 21st August
Today I had to not get up so early. It was a late breakfast. We eight from the Oslo Red Cross and two from another district was summoned to meet with Soscon at 11.30. Here we met the institute director Stein T. Moen - a great guy with obvious long and good experience in stress and crisis management. The purpose of this is that the Red Cross want to be sure that those who have participated in the weekend's activities, are doing well afterwards. In the meeting we talked about the impression we were left with, what had been difficult and other thoughts and feelings we had. In a few weeks, we do a "stress test" in which - as far as I understand - we will be asked some questions on the dimensions that are about issues related to crisis experiences. I believe that our experiences in this context only "child's play" in comparison with those the relatives of the deceased have experienced, not to mention the youngsters who survived being chased around the Utøya pursued by the gun man. Soscon’s arrangements are to ensure that we are doing well. If we are struggling with anything now, it will probably be detected by the stress test. In this case, we will be followed up closely. As a Red Cross person I am grateful that the organization takes this really seriously. The principle is: The helpers also need help.
After meeting with Soscon, I and Kiran Aziz (whom I know from the board of the Oslo Red Cross, who witness support and also participated in the weekend), went down to Oslo centre where I locked my suitcase into a storage box at the Central station. Then off to Oslo Spektrum next door, where we had tickets to the national remembrance ceremony there. We at the Red Cross had seats just in front of the part of the scene in which, among other bands and performers A-ha, Carpe Diem, Åge Andersen and Susanne Sundfør performed. Great seats. It was really nice to be present there. The audience was nicely dressed. Lots of people in gala uniform for the occasion. Great King’s guards handed out programs. The concert and speeches are well broadcasted, 1.2 million viewers saw the TV broadcast that went on all channels.
After the concert, I took farewell with the other Red Cross guys. And then to Oslo Central station to pick up my suitcase. 

Here I met Randi Hammerstrøm in the main hall. She was also on her way home after the concert. Randi was therefore the first and the last person I had contact with in this mission.

PS. I dreamed about Utøya Thursday night, a week after my visit there. The dream was not exactly a nightmare, but a "messy" it was. Probably the reason that I had the dream was that on Thursday afternoon/evening I went to a gathering in the Mediation Board of Buskerud (where I live). We were 10 people there. My boss knew what I had been involved in, and he asked me to tell about the experience. I did. 
PS. PS. I am grateful that I could be of use to someone who needed it. I am grateful for belong to an organization that obviously makes a very useful and important work, and receives recognition and respect for it. I am impressed by the initiative of Minister of Justice and the way it all was planned and operated. Our own Red Cross management was very good in their instructions to us. Most went well, and what did not entirely smoothly, was fixed during the course of business. I am grateful to have had some nice new acquaintances in the Red Cross - people that I otherwise never meet. Coming up is the National Convention (Gardermoen 7-9th October). Maybe I meet some of them there?

()()()Thanks for a memorable experience. ()()()