When forest fires, earthquakes, heavy snowfall, or flooding occur, there's a unit of the Spanish Army that comes to the front lines: the Military Emergency Unit (UME) . Its motto, "To serve," sums up its essence: to act quickly, effectively, and humanely in the most critical situations.

At Varietex , we are committed to disseminating specialized knowledge about units like the EMU, which is key to understanding how Spain organizes and responds to major emergencies.

What is the EMU?

Created in 2005, the UME is an elite unit of the Ministry of Defense that responds to natural disasters and civil emergencies. Its military structure allows for immediate response , with its own logistical resources, specialized technical training, and a discipline that makes the difference in chaotic environments.

Its main areas of action are:

• Forest fires

• Floods and extreme weather events

• Earthquakes

• NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) Emergencies

• Support in health crises (as occurred during COVID-19)

Training and demands: preparation at the highest level

Being part of the UME requires much more than physical fitness. Its members receive training in:

• Rescue and salvage techniques

• Emergency management and civil protection

• Tactical healthcare and first aid

• Use of intervention teams in extreme environments

At Varietex , we offer candidates, professionals, and the curious a selection of technical books to help them gain a deeper understanding of their work or prepare for entry into similar units.

Recommended reading on emergencies and the EMU

• The Military Emergency Unit: Organization and Operations – A look at its most important missions and internal structure.

• Emergency management and civil protection in Spain – Essential for understanding the regulatory and logistical framework within which the EMU operates.

• Tactical first aid for first responders – Medical training applied to the military and rescue environment.

• Operational Resilience: Leadership in Critical Situations – Analyzing the Human Factor in the Face of Emergency Stress.

Why read about the EMU?

Whether you're a member of the Armed Forces, a civil protection student, or simply someone interested in the world of emergency response, understanding how the EMU works will help you better understand the Spanish model of disaster response .

Furthermore, if you are preparing for competitive exams or want to join a law enforcement agency, reading is the first step to thinking and acting like a professional .

At Varietex, reading also saves lives

The EMU is just one example of how knowledge, training, and a vocation for service combine to protect society. At Varietex, we invite you to learn more about these units through books that inform, inspire, and educate.

Explore our emergency, tactical healthcare, and national defense sections. Prepare today to act tomorrow.