Päästetööd

Päästetööd is the Estonian term for rescue operations, referring to the activities carried out by emergency services to save lives, limit injuries, and protect people, property, and the environment during emergencies. The term covers a wide range of actions, including rescuing people from danger, providing first aid, stabilizing casualties, and securing the scene to prevent further harm.

In Estonia, most päästetööd are carried out by the Estonian Rescue Board (Päästeamet) and municipal fire and rescue services, in cooperation with police and healthcare services. Specialized units may handle high-risk tasks such as vehicle extrication, water rescue, or rope and urban search-and-rescue. Rescue operations take place at scenes of accidents, natural disasters, fires, chemical spills, and other emergencies, as well as during planned evacuations or rescue missions.

Core activities include rescuing people from dangerous situations, technical rescue (extrication of trapped persons), first aid and casualty care, safe evacuation, hazard assessment, and securing and monitoring the area. Equipment commonly used includes hydraulic rescue tools, cutting and lifting gear, fire appliances, boats, aerial equipment, and sometimes drones.

Rescuers are trained professionals who undergo continuous education and drill participation. The term is used in official language, and päästetööd are coordinated under national legislation on civil protection and fire safety, with the emergency number 112 used to summon aid.

Public instructions during incidents emphasize staying away from danger, following authorities, and providing information to responders.