pelastut

Pelastut is a Finnish noun that literally means “those who are saved” or, in common usage, refers to people who perform rescue operations. In everyday Finnish it is synonymous with lifeguards, emergency medical responders, or search‑and‑rescue teams.

The term is most frequently associated with water safety. Finnish coast guards, the Finnish Swimming Federation and local municipalities employ pelastut to patrol beaches, lakes, and waterways. Their duties include detecting distressed individuals, providing immediate medical assistance, and coordinating evacuations. Standard training involves learning how to swim at competitive levels, first‑aid certification, and specialized courses in water rescue techniques. Additional equipment such as inflatable boats, personal flotation devices, and communication gear is typically carried on patrol.

Pelastut are also active in land‑based disaster response. When a fire breaks out or a natural disaster occurs, the same responders are trained to perform search and rescue for trapped victims. In this context, they are also called the emergency service brigade, part of the Finnish civil protection organization.

The Finnish word pelastut derives from the verb pelastaa (to rescue or save) and conveys both the action and the people performing it. Because the concept is integral to public safety, the word appears in legislation regarding safety regulations and in the names of local volunteer groups such as Pelastajatiimi (rescue team). The term is used throughout Finland in media reports, official documents, and public safety campaigns.