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Finnish fire brigades and other organisations collected rescue equipment to send to Ukraine. Coordinated by the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK), the collection drive was organised in response to a request for equipment from the Ukrainian rescue services. The aid was delivered to Ukraine in March through the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism. The Ukrainian rescue services have lost both personnel and equipment in the war.

Pöydillä olevia paloasuja ja kypäriä, kuvassa sininen ja keltainen väritys.

In just a few days, the fire brigades’ drive collected more than 3,800 pieces of equipment needed in rescue and first response operations. Among the equipment donated by fire brigades and other organisations were approximately 700 helmets, 700 fire suits and over 300 pairs of boots.

The equipment also included fire hoses, hearing protectors, first aid supplies and chainsaws, among other things. A total of 85 donors contributed to the drive, most of which were fire brigades from across Finland. Among the donors were also a few companies and rescue departments.

The Ukrainian rescue services requested help from Finland and other European countries to get the equipment they need. The Finnish National Rescue Association agreed with the Ministry of the Interior to organise a collection drive in which fire brigades would have the opportunity to donate equipment requested by Ukraine. The collection of aid was coordinated with regional rescue departments. In addition, the Government also made a separate decision to assist Ukraine.

The aid collected by fire brigades was delivered through the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism

– The war in Ukraine has shocked the rescue services sector. Since our early history, Finnish fire brigades have been strong supporters of democracy and civil peace. It is harrowing to see the difficult circumstances under which Ukrainian firefighters are now having to operate. We wanted to show our support and offer the aid Ukrainians were asking for, explains SPEK’s Director of Fire Brigade Services Petri Jaatinen.

The collection drive was organised together with authorities to ensure that aid could be delivered through the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism. The equipment to be donated was mapped out very quickly.