Finn Rescue Team

CMC Finland (from 2019 onwards The Emergency Services College) coordinates two Finnish rescue modules trained and equipped for international humanitarian missions; Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) and Technical Assistance and Support Team (TAST). Together they form the Finn Rescue Team. Finn Rescue Team is specialised in working in cold conditions.

Finnish Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team went through the INSARAG reclassification process in January 2018 in Tinglev Denmark and was evaluated as one of the world’s top USAR Teams. Hence it is qualified for international missions led By the EU, UN or any other relevant actor. The USAR Team was initially classified in 2012.

Technical Assistance and Support Team for Cold Conditions, FI-TAST-CC, was certified and approved by the European Commission in 2018. Finnish TAST is a part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism Voluntary Pool and ready to be deployed within 12 hours of official request for assistance from the Commission.

Based on a request from a respective country or government facing a natural or man-made disaster, Finland can provide assistance by deploying Finn Rescue Team modules, individual experts or material help. The decision is made at the Ministry of the Interior. CMC Finland will recruit, equip and deploy the experts and during their assignment act as state employer.