Päästeteenuseid

Päästeteenuseid is a term used in Estonia to refer to the system of public emergency services that respond to fires, accidents, medical emergencies, natural disasters and other urgent incidents. The aim of these services is to prevent loss of life and property, and to provide rapid assistance when danger arises. The system operates through coordinated actions by several agencies and relies on centralized communication and planning.

The core components of päästeteenuseid include the emergency dispatch and coordination center, firefighting and rescue operations, medical emergency response, and civil protection. In Estonia, the Emergency Response Centre (Häirekeskus) handles 112 calls and coordinates dispatch to the appropriate services. The Rescue Board (Päästeamet) is the state agency responsible for fire safety, firefighting, technical rescue, water rescue, and disaster response. Emergency medical care is provided by ambulance services, which operate in cooperation with hospitals and the health system. Law enforcement and border protection agencies, such as the Police and Border Guard Board, support public safety and incident management as needed. Local municipalities also play a role in organizing and funding certain services at the regional level.

Functions of päästeteenuseid include preventing emergencies through safety inspections and education, rapid response and on-site rescue, medical support and patient transport when required, hazardous materials handling, and disaster management. The system is governed by national legislation, including acts on fire safety, rescue, and emergency procedures, and it operates within broader European and international cooperation frameworks for cross-border assistance and mutual aid. Access to emergency services is provided through the 112 emergency number.