pelastustoimen

Pelastustoimen, literally the rescue service, refers to the Finnish system of activities and services aimed at preventing and managing fires, accidents and other emergencies to protect people, property and the environment. It covers prevention, preparedness, response and aftercare across a range of hazards, including urban fires, technical rescues, water and wilderness rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and disaster response. The term is used to describe the duties carried out by fire and rescue authorities and related emergency operations within Finland’s emergency response framework.

The system is governed by the Fire and Rescue Services Act and related legislation. Municipalities or regional authorities organize pelastuslaitokset (rescue services) to provide these operations. The services employ professional firefighters and, in many areas, volunteer personnel. The objective is to ensure rapid dispatch, effective incident management, and integration with health services, police and other authorities.

Core activities include fire suppression and prevention, technical rescue (vehicles, buildings, machinery), water and ice rescue, rescue at dangerous scenes, hazardous materials response, emergency medical assistance, and patient transport where part of the rescue framework. Pelastustoimen also encompasses risk assessment, safety inspections, public education, and preparedness planning to reduce the likelihood and impact of emergencies.

Coordination is achieved through regional rescue departments, national emergency coordination centers, and standardized training and operating procedures. Pelastustoimen emphasizes cooperation with other authorities, civil defense and community resilience, aiming to maintain public safety and facilitate rapid recovery after incidents.