Double training time for firemen proposed

A working group of the interior ministry in its report has proposed to double the basic training time for a person to qualify as a fire-fighter, reported the Finnish language daily Savon Sanomat.

According to the proposal, the training time to qualify as a professional fireman should be increased to the range of 3.3 to 3.5 years from the current one year and a half.

The report said fire-fighters should also be trained in basic professional healthcare.

Another recommendation of the group is that the Emergency Service College should cooperate with one or more institutions of higher education to ensure furthering of firemen’s studies to the level of a science degree.

The group also has proposed two different implementation options in its report.

According to the Savon Sanomat report, no decision has yet been taken based on the working group’s recommendations.