Ensihoitaja

Ensihoitaja is a pre-hospital emergency medical professional working in Finland's emergency medical services (EMS). They provide initial medical assessment and treatment to patients with acute illness or injury and arrange transport to appropriate care facilities. Ensihoitajat work in ambulance crews and rapid response units, sometimes in air ambulance teams, and collaborate with paramedics, nurses, and physicians in pre-hospital settings. The role emphasizes rapid triage, stabilization, monitoring of vital signs, and execution of life-saving interventions within the scope of practice. Typical duties include primary assessment, airway management, oxygen therapy, control of bleeding, splinting and immobilization, intravenous access, medication administration according to protocols, wound care, and safe patient transport. Documentation and communication with hospital staff for handover are also essential.

Education and training: In Finland, ensihoitaja is typically obtained through a bachelor’s level program in emergency care or paramedic studies at a university of applied sciences. Programs combine classroom learning with clinical practice in EMS, hospital wards, and field internships. Practitioners maintain competence through ongoing in-service training and certifications in advanced life support and other prehospital skills.

Work environment: EMS organizations provide 24/7 coverage across urban and rural areas. Ensihoitajat may operate in standard ambulances, rapid response vehicles, or air transport; they frequently work as part of multidisciplinary teams and may specialize in pediatric or trauma care.

Career prospects: With experience, ensihoitajat can advance to supervisory or educator roles, further study in nursing or medicine, or transfer to more specialized prehospital positions. The profession is distinct from nursing and physician roles, but many practitioners also hold nursing qualifications or pursue further medical training.