hätäkeskuslaki

Hätäkeskuslaki, or the Emergency Response Centre Act, is a Finnish law that regulates the organization and operation of Finland’s emergency response system. The act defines the tasks and powers of the authorities involved in emergency response and specifies the duties of the national emergency response centre and regional bodies responsible for directing rescue operations. Its central aim is to ensure fast, reliable, and coordinated handling of urgent calls to the 112 emergency number and the dispatch of police, fire, and health services, as well as other authorities as needed.

The statute covers the governance of the emergency response network, including the roles of municipalities, regional rescue services, and the national authorities in charge of the 112 service. It sets requirements for dispatching procedures, information exchange, data protection, and the use of information systems and communications technology, with an emphasis on interoperability and service continuity. The act also provides for supervision and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with its provisions.

Implementation and oversight are carried out primarily under the Ministry of the Interior, with the emergency response centre system operating through regional units. The law has been amended repeatedly to adapt to changes in technology, the structure of emergency services, and the national strategy for crisis management.