Rescuer Qualification
The goal of the rescuer qualification is to train versatile rescuers who, upon graduation, can work as rescuers or firefighters at different rescue services across Finland.
About the Program
The rescuer qualification program lasts 1.5 years and is worth 90 ECTS credits.
Graduates are eligible for positions as:
- Rescuers
- Firefighters
After graduation, you can work at any rescue service across Finland.
Studies in the Rescuer Qualification
The program aims to train versatile rescuers with strong knowledge and skills in:
- Accident prevention
- Safety communication
- Rescue operations
- Basic pre-hospital care
- Civil protection
The program lasts 1.5 years (three semesters). During the first year at the Helsinki Rescue School, students focus on basic, professional, and rescue operation studies. The final semester focuses on advanced pre-hospital care.
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Describe the values of the rescue and healthcare sectors, understand the requirements of the rescuer profession, and act according to these principles. They will be ready to develop their work, professional skills, and career in a changing environment.
- Understand the societal significance of structured accident prevention work, plan and implement safety communication and citizen training, and perform residential building inspections when needed.
- Know and apply the basics of rescue operations, act as members of a rescue team in common emergency situations, and understand the principles of team leadership.
- Function as part of pre-hospital care services, applying learned skills and attitudes, and utilize tiered emergency services as well as other social and healthcare resources for patient care.
- Understand the basics of self-preparedness and general civil protection.
- Understand volunteer fire department operations and cooperate effectively with contractual rescue personnel and other stakeholders.
Basic Studies – 13.5 ECTS
- Introduction to rescuer course studies: 2.5
- Rescue administration: 2
- Physical education and health education: 4.5
- Rescue and pre-hospital care equipment & occupational safety: 2
- Psychology: 1.5
- Rescuer profession and career: 1
Vocational Studies – 76.5 ECTS
Accident Prevention – 10 ECTS
- Safety communication: 3.5
- Building safety and inspection: 6.5
Rescue Operations – 37.5 ECTS
- Fire physics: 1.5
- Driving training: 2.5
- Basic rescuer skills: 7
- Firefighting and rescue techniques: 7
- Advanced firefighting and rescue techniques: 7
- Hazardous materials: 6
- Rescue operations leadership: 4.5
- Communication and signaling basics: 2
Pre-Hospital Care – 29 ECTS
- Pre-hospital care competence assessment: 1.5
- Advanced pre-hospital care II: 2.5
- Advanced pre-hospital care I: 8
- Pre-hospital care theory: 8
- Pre-hospital care basics: 6
- Anatomy and physiology
Helsinki Rescue School follows the same curriculum as the Emergency Services Academy Finland in Kuopio. Detailed descriptions of the study modules can be found in the curriculum.
Graduates of the rescuer qualification can apply for the Rescue Service Sub-Officer Qualification, which is 60 ECTS credits in scope. The main study areas of the sub-officer qualification include:
- Accident prevention
- Rescue operations management
- Personnel management
Rescuer Job Description
A rescuer works in accordance with the strategic guidelines of the rescue service. Upon graduation, they are well-prepared to enter the workforce and are committed to continuously developing their professional skills.
The work of a rescuer is practical and requires a wide range of hands-on skills. During the training, students learn to select the most appropriate and effective rescue methods for each situation to:
- Assist people
- Protect property
- Safeguard the environment
Rescuer as a Profession
✔ Meaningful work
✔ Versatile work duties
✔ Teamwork and team spirit
✔ Training and career opportunities
✔ Strong community role
✔ High employment opportunities across Finland.
The rescuer qualification provides eligibility for positions as a rescuer or firefighter nationwide.
Apply
The application period for the rescuer qualification is from February 2 to March 6, 2026.