Standby always and anywhere

The rescue department of the State Provincial Office is responsible for the attainment of the result goals set by the Ministry of the Interior for the province. The tasks are carried out in cooperation with the local rescue departments in the region, regional administrative authorities, local authorities, rescue organizations and other organizations in rescue and safety services. In addition to analysis of information, planning, and advice and guidance, training and exercises are arranged. The rescue department of the State Provincial Office prepares for the leadership duties which it will assume in disruptions and under exceptional circumstances. The rescue department cooperates constantly with other units of the State Provincial Office.

The State Provincial Office supports regional rescue departments and assesses and monitors the level of services. The State Provincial Office directs the planning of rescue services in its area and sees that plans are compatible. Among the main objectives are good safety practices, the prevention of accidents, a high-capacity response in rescue services and civil defence readiness.

The duties of the rescue department

• guidance and supervision of the level of service of local rescue departments;
• assessment of basic services and monitoring of the level of service;
• awarding of state grants to development, system and equipment projects in local rescue departments;
• setting priorities for projects in the rescue department for the board of directors of the Fire Protection Foundation;
• maintenance of readiness in normal circumstances in case of disruption and exceptional circumstances, for instance through exercises organized jointly with the Emergenc Services College;
• guidance and support for the readiness of local authorities and regional administrative authorities;
• organizing civil defence courses with the military provinces to improve readiness in society in the event exceptional circumstances.