National Paramedic of the Year from Helsinki

Matias Lahtela from the Helsinki City Rescue Department was chosen as the Paramedic of the Year by the Finnish paramedics’ association Suomen Ensihoitoalan Liitto ry.

A long career, self-development, positions of trust and development projects were among the things that were considered when Matias Lahtela, a paramedic from the Helsinki City Rescue Department, was chosen as Paramedic of the Year 2025.

Lahtela is honoured by the choice.
“I really appreciate being recognised by my colleagues. I value it very highly and accept this honour with the utmost respect."

He is also delighted that the recognition is coming to Helsinki.
"Helsinki has always been thought of as a separate colony in the sector. It's nice to be able to bring the voice of Helsinki to different parts of the country thanks to this recognition."

The Paramedic of the Year award is chosen annually by a jury of representatives of emergency care teachers from various educational institutions, the Finnish association of anaesthesiologists Suomen anestesiologiyhdistys, the Finnish paramedics’ association Suomen Ensihoitoalan Liitto ry, trade union Tehy and the emergency care trade publication Systole.
The recognition was announced on Friday 21 November.

Matias's "home station" in Haaga is also delighted with the choice.
"Matias is a great choice for paramedic of the year. He is a positive force in his work community, whose professionalism and experience are visible in everything he does. He is constantly growing and developing, and on top of that, he is a wonderful person," describe fire chief Maaret Hilden-Rantala and station master Kari Sarvi.

A career in Helsinki

Matias Lahtela graduated as a medical technician and ambulance driver in 1993 and as a nurse in 1997. He completed his bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2020 and his master’s degree in emergency medical services’ management development in 2023. He completed undergraduate studies in education at the University of Turku in 2024. He is currently studying to become a vocational teacher at the School of Professional Teacher Education, with graduation on the horizon in summer 2026.

Lahtela joined the Helsinki City Rescue Department on the first of May in 1997. Before that, his roles included working at the accident and emergency unit of Töölö Outpatient Clinic, as a temporary worker in the ambulance service and as a member of the Finnish Red Cross health care team at various events. He was also part of the UN's peace-keeping forces in Macedonia in 1994.

He started his first competence management assignments as a trainer in 2002. In the early 2020s, he became increasingly involved in a wide range of training activities. In September to December in 2025, he will be teaching firefighters as a part-time teacher at Helsinki Vocational College.

Throughout his career, Lahtela has been involved in a vast array of activities, such as occupational health and safety and labour protection development.