Päästeteenistuse

Päästeteenistuse is the Estonian term referring to the state emergency rescue service, commonly understood in practice as the Estonian Rescue Board (Päästeamet). It is the government agency responsible for fire protection, rescue operations, and disaster response across Estonia, with a mandate to prevent and limit emergencies and to coordinate rapid response when incidents occur.

The core functions include fire prevention and protection, inspection and enforcement of fire safety requirements, and the organization of rescue activities in a wide range of situations. The agency operates and maintains fire and rescue stations, professional firefighting personnel, and, in some regions, volunteer rescuers. It also runs specialized units for tasks such as water rescue, technical rope and high-angle rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and search and rescue operations.

In addition to emergency response, the Päästeamet conducts risk assessment and preparedness planning, provides public safety education, and issues guidelines and permits related to fire safety in buildings and workplaces. It cooperates with other authorities, such as the police, border guard, and health services, to ensure coordinated response during accidents, natural disasters, and other emergencies. The 112 emergency number is the main contact point for the public to request assistance, after which the Rescue Board mobilizes appropriate resources.

Historically and legally, the term is used in official and public discourse to denote the nationwide rescue service, and in everyday language it functions as a reference to the fire and rescue service in Estonia.