Räddningsarbetet

Räddningsarbete is the organized, professional and sometimes voluntary effort to prevent, limit and mitigate emergencies, rescue people, and protect life, property and the environment. It covers a broad range of activities conducted before, during and after incidents, including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

In Sweden, räddningsarbete is primarily carried out by municipal fire and rescue services (räddningstjänsten), which often operate as fire departments that also perform technical rescues. Volunteer brigades contribute in many communities. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) coordinates national preparedness, supports risk assessments, training and resource planning, and can provide assistance in major disasters. Successful responses rely on collaboration with police, ambulance services and other civil authorities, and on mutual aid agreements across municipalities and regions.

Operational tasks within räddningsarbete include fire suppression, rescue from collapsed structures, vehicle extrication, water and flood rescue, rope and high-angle rescues, hazardous materials response, and medical first response and patient transport. Search and rescue, especially in remote or challenging terrain, is also a component. Preventive work encompasses risk assessment, safety planning, public information, and preparedness measures intended to reduce the likelihood or severity of incidents.

Personnel involved are trained in technical rescue techniques, incident command and coordination, risk assessment, and medical first aid. Equipment ranges from fire engines and aerial ladders to boats, rope systems, breathing apparatus, cutting tools and protective gear. In many areas, cross-border and inter-organizational cooperation enhances capacity and resilience in both routine operations and large-scale emergencies.