The exercise proved it: Together we are stronger
The Rescue Borealis exercise, conducted in Finland between August and October 2025, brought together around 700 professionals from healthcare, rescue services and other security authorities from Finland, Sweden, Norway and Germany. This multi-agency exercise, which was mainly funded by the European Commission and focused on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats (CBRN), was reportedly the largest of its kind in Europe in recent years. It gave a significant boost to preparedness and readiness in the Nordic region.
Home affairs ministers to discuss crisis preparedness and development of border management
The EU home affairs ministers will gather in Luxembourg on 14 October. The topics on their agenda include the development of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex and the reform of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Finland will be represented at the meeting by Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.
EU Commissioner for Preparedness Lahbib to visit Helsinki
The EU Commissioner for Equality and for Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib will visit Helsinki on Friday 3 October. She will meet Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen and Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen. The visit to Finland is on the invitation of Minister of the Interior Rantanen. On Thursday Commissioner Lahbib was in Oulu to observe the international Rescue Borealis field training exercise.
Minister of the Interior Rantanen at the Rescue Borealis exercise in Oulu: “As a frontline country, Finland has special needs and responsibilities in preparedness”
The tense security situation underscores the importance of preparedness, both in the Baltic Sea region and in the Euro-Arctic area. Meeting new threats requires joint exercises and well-functioning processes, as underlined at the Rescue Borealis 2025 international field exercise held in Oulu.
— 4 Items per Page
Helsinki City Rescue Department's checklist for New Year celebrations
The Helsinki City Rescue Department is on standby 24/7, which means that both our emergency rescue and prehospital emergency care services will be available on New Year's Eve as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Innovations by the Helsinki City Rescue Department recognised
Helsinki City Rescue Department received two innovation awards.
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.
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.
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.
— 10 Items per Page
