Standard of service in regional rescue services

Regional rescue services decide on the standard and development of rescue services within the region. The standard of service is viewed in terms of services provided in the field of accident prevention, rescue operations and civil defence. The services are planned on the basis of estimated accident potential by analysing the operating environment and the safety situation.

How are accidents prevented within a rescue service region?

The decision on the standard of service within a rescue service region determines the goals of accident prevention as well as the means for achieving these goals.

Rescue services prevent accidents and mitigate damage through:

How are rescue operations organised within a rescue service region?

The decision on the standard of service within a rescue service region determines how the region carries out the functions of rescue services. Regional rescue services must be able to take the measures required in the event of an accident or impending danger swiftly and efficiently. Rescue operations are also planned for accidents requiring collaboration between rescue service regions.

The success of rescue operations depends on the speed of response and on the type of help summoned to the accident site. The response time indicates the time within which fire services will be at the accident site. The response time is the time between the dispatch of a rescue unit and its arrival at the scene of an accident. Rapid response is crucial in the event of a fire and when rescuing people involved in traffic accidents, for example.

Rescue service regions are divided into risk areas on the basis of accident probability. Accident probability is greatest in places where there are lots of people, buildings, traffic, or industrial activities. In risk area 1, a rescue unit must arrive at the accident site within six minutes, in risk area 2 within ten minutes, and in risk area 3 within twenty minutes from the alarm. In risk area 4, i.e. sparsely populated areas, no such time limit has been set.

What are civil defence arrangements in a rescue service region like?

The decision on the standard of service within a rescue service region determines how the region plans and performs its civil defence duties. Rescue departments’ civil defence duties include:

Page modified: 27.6.2006