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Medals of Merit for Civil Defence.

Minister of the Interior Ohisalo awarded Medals of Merit for Civil Defence

Minister of the Interior Maria Ohisalo awarded Medals of Merit First Class for Civil Defence and Medals of Merit Second Class for Civil Defence on 24 February. These Medals of Merit are awarded for meritorious or highly meritorious work for the good of civil defence.
Press release Ministry of the Interior Rescue services, 25.2.2020 15:56
Taito Vainio.

Taito Vainio appointed as Director of the Emergency Response Centre Agency

On 30 January, the Government appointed Taito Vainio as Director of the Emergency Response Centre Agency. Vainio holds a Master’s degree in Social Sciences and a Master's degree in Technology. He will take up his post on 1 March and his term of office will last for five years. The post is based in Pori.
Press release Ministry of the Interior Rescue services, 30.1.2020 15:11

Citizens feel that Finland is safe

The majority of Finnish people consider Finland a safe country. People’s concerns and fears can be divided into social and personal factors generating insecurity. Another factor influencing people’s sense of security is the level of trust individuals have in their own abilities and the abilities of their community and society to protect them against threats and overcome different kinds of disturbances in society.
Press release Ministry of the Interior Rescue services, 23.1.2020 9:00

New year brings changes to the Ministry of the Interior’s administrative branch

The start of 2020 will see the entry into force of amendments to acts and decrees related to the police, immigration and rescue services. This press release provides a summary of the most important changes.
Press release Ministry of the Interior Rescue services, 20.12.2019 11:11

Latest news from Rescue Departmens

People are standing at the door of the civil defence shelter.

Helsinki residents' self-preparedness needs improvement – confidence in rescue services high

According to the latest Helsinki Safety Survey, only about a fifth of Helsinki residents are prepared in accordance with the national 72-hour recommendation.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 4.12.2025 12:23
Firefighters and a man with a certificate of honour stand in front of a fire truck

Robin Harju rescued a man from a burning apartment – Helsinki City Rescue Department presented him with the ‘Elämän liekki’ award

The ‘Elämän liekki’ award is presented on the initiative of the Helsinki City Rescue Department.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 2.12.2025 9:57
Matias Lahtela standing outside.

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.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 24.11.2025 10:23
Head of Unit Jari Korkiamäki from the Helsinki City Rescue Department has been selected as Fireman of the Year 2025

Jari Korkiamäki of Helsinki City Rescue Department is Fireman of the Year 2025

Head of Unit Jari Korkiamäki from the Helsinki City Rescue Department has been selected as Fireman of the Year 2025.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 10.10.2025 11:00
Two men standing in dark festive attire

Firefighter and paramedic of the year elected

Every year, the staff of the Helsinki City Rescue Department elects the firefighter of the year, ‘Stadin brankkari,’ and now the paramedic of the year, as well.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 2.10.2025 8:17
Innovation Award recipients

Innovations by the Helsinki City Rescue Department recognised

Helsinki City Rescue Department received two innovation awards.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 17.9.2025 11:20
Nainan points to a fire extinguisher

Fire alarm at a medical care institution: Watch the video to learn what to do

The Fire alarm at a medical care institution videos explain the basic things to note in case of a fire alarm at a medical care institution.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 21.8.2025 11:00
Risk Management Manager Pekka Itkonen familiarised himself with the activities and atmosphere of the camp with the organisers of the Rescue Associations

Kivijalka25 camp inspires young people to get involved in rescue services

At the Kivijalka25 camp, young people will practise, among other things, first aid extinguishing, first aid and how to deal with accidents.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 17.7.2025 12:54
Firefighters drinking water from a bottle in the shade.

Heatwave Brings Tasks for Emergency Medical Services and Rescue Units

Helsinki is enjoying warm weather this week. However, the heatwave also brings challenges that may increase the number of assignments for the rescue services – including both rescue units and ambulances.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 14.7.2025 12:47
Doctor stands, three police officers practicing CPR

Emergency medical care and police organise joint emergency first aid training

In practice, authorities cooperate on assignments almost daily, having practised working together during events such as joint training sessions.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 16.6.2025 13:29