Record number of applicants to Helsinki Rescue School

The Helsinki Rescue School broke its own applicant record this year with a total of 330 applications submitted by the deadline.

This is the highest number of applicants in the history of the Helsinki Rescue School. The deadline for applications was Friday 6 March.

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, those wishing to apply for the Rescuer Qualification programme were also required to pass a medical examination and a physical fitness test before submitting their application. The application process is multi-staged, which makes the increase in the number of applicants particularly notable.

Eligible applicants will now progress to the second stage of the application process, which includes a two-stage entrance exam. In the first stage of the entrance exam, the applicants’ physical fitness is tested using Cooper, swimming and phobia tests. Failing to pass any stage or individual test will eliminate the applicant. In the second stage of the entrance exam, the psychological suitability of the applicants is assessed through individual and group tasks and an interview with a psychologist. The application process also includes a security clearance. Based on the final selection, a total of 36 students will be admitted to the programme. The studies start in August.

Maintaining the necessary operational readiness for rescue operations requires ensuring the availability of rescuers. The Rescuer Qualification programme offered by the Helsinki Rescue School contributes to addressing the current shortage of rescuers in Finland.

According to the Principal of the Helsinki Rescue School Sanna Aivio, the record number of applicants shows that there is a strong interest in the rescue sector and confirms that there is demand for a Rescuer Qualification programme in southern Finland as well.

Rescue Commander of the Helsinki City Rescue Department Jani Pitkänen considers the development to be very positive:

“The increase in the number of applicants reflects their strong confidence in the future of the rescue sector despite the current challenging economic situation in the rescue services of the wellbeing services counties. The record number of applicants to the Rescue School clearly shows that there is a demand and need for permanent rescuer training in Southern Finland. We are therefore delighted that together with the Rescue School we are able to strengthen rescuer resources throughout Finland.”