Pelastustoimi

Pelastustoimi refers to the coordinated activities aimed at preventing, mitigating, and recovering from emergencies. It covers both preparedness and response, including actions to save lives, protect health, and safeguard property and the environment during and after hazardous events.

In Finland, pelastustoimi is carried out mainly by municipal rescue services (pelastuslaitokset) organized under regional coordination, with support from state authorities. The emergency dispatch centre handles calls (112) and mobilizes relevant units, such as fire, medical, police, and specialized rescue teams, according to established incident procedures.

Typical rescue operations include firefighting, vehicle and building extrication, water and ice rescue, search and rescue, first aid on site and during transport, and hazardous materials response. Recovery work and rehabilitation—post-incident cleanup and psychological support—are also part of pelastustoimi.

Prevention and preparedness are integral, through risk assessment, public safety information, training, drills, and planning. Interagency cooperation, mutual aid agreements, and international assistance arrangements help ensure capacity for large-scale events or cross-border incidents.

The term is used in legal and everyday language to describe the actions taken by rescue services to protect people and property during emergencies.