Recognition Award for the Rescue of People from Life-Threatening Danger in Vienna

The recognition award for the rescue of people from life-threatening danger in Vienna honors exceptional civil courage: private individuals who have saved lives in the area of the state capital Vienna at the risk of their own lives receive a rescue medal for this. This honorary decoration becomes the permanent property of the honored person and may neither be sold nor returned. The award recognizes commitment to social cohesion and solidarity and highlights to the general public the importance of courageous action in emergency situations.

Eligible for funding are all persons who have performed a rescue involving life-threatening risk in the state of Vienna and whose achievement is documented by an official police operation report. There is no fixed submission deadline – applications can be submitted at any time from 01.01.2026 onwards. The only required proof is the police operation report. The award is granted on an ongoing basis without time limitation. The aim of the measure is to promote civil courage and publicly acknowledge courageous life-saving acts. The rescue medal emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and creates an incentive to act decisively in emergencies.