Safety, emergencies and healthcare in Kimitoön
Kimitoön is a safe destination, but accidents, sudden illness and unexpected situations can happen anywhere. Below you will find the most important contacts and official sources of information if you need help during your stay.
In Finland, emergency response, rescue services and public safety are organised through national and regional authorities. Kimitoön Municipality and Visit Kimitoön follow these established procedures and official guidance rather than maintaining a separate emergency system for tourism.
Call 122 in an emergency
When calling, explain what has happened, give your location as accurately as possible and follow the instructions provided by the Emergency Response Centre. The 112 Suomi mobile application is also useful when travelling in Finland. Calling 112 through the app helps transmit your location to the Emergency Response Centre.
Emergency number 112 – official information(opens in a new window, go to external website)
Illness and medical assistance
For a life-threatening illness or serious injury, always call 112.
For urgent medical problems that are not life-threatening, contact Finland’s Medical Helpline 116117. The service assesses the need for urgent care and provides instructions on where to seek treatment. In Kimitoön, public healthcare is provided by the Wellbeing Services County of Southwest Finland (Varha).
The Kimitoön Health Centre is located in Kimito(go to external website), and Varha provides up-to-date information about healthcare services, opening hours and contact details.
Varha – healthcare and medical assistance(opens in a new window, go to external website)
Visitors should also check the terms of their travel or other applicable insurance and contact their own insurance provider when necessary.
At sea and in the archipelago
Kimitoön is an archipelago destination, and conditions at sea can change quickly. Before heading out by boat, kayak or other watercraft, check the weather and sea conditions, use appropriate safety equipment and make sure your plans are suitable for the conditions and your experience.
In an emergency at sea, call 112. Maritime emergencies are handled through Finland’s established maritime search and rescue system together with other rescue authorities.
Finnish Border Guard – Maritime Search and Rescue(opens in a new window, go to external website)
Weather, storms and other natural conditions
Weather conditions can change rapidly in the archipelago. Strong winds, thunderstorms, heat, slippery conditions, thin ice and wildfires can affect outdoor activities and transport.
Check current weather forecasts and official warnings before heading out, particularly when boating, paddling, cycling or visiting islands and nature areas.
Major incidents and exceptional situations
In a major accident, severe weather event, prolonged disruption or other exceptional situation, follow instructions and warnings issued by the Finnish authorities.
Finland has national guidance covering situations such as power and water outages, storms, wildfires, major accidents, epidemics and other crises. Official emergency warnings and public warning signals are used when authorities need people to take immediate action.
Suomi.fi – Preparing for incidents and crises(opens in a new window, go to external website)
Safety responsibility
Tourism businesses and activity providers are responsible for the safety of their own services, premises, equipment and activities in accordance with applicable Finnish legislation and requirements.
Always follow the instructions provided by your accommodation provider, guide, activity operator, transport operator or site manager. When taking part in outdoor or water-based activities, choose activities suitable for your abilities and the prevailing conditions.
Kimitoön Municipality is prepared for disruptions and crisis situations and acts within its areas of responsibility in accordance with the municipality’s preparedness planning and national authorities’ guidance. In a serious incident or crisis, the municipality cooperates with rescue services, healthcare services, the police and other responsible authorities. Visit Kimitoön is part of the municipality’s operations and, when necessary, communicates current information and official guidance to visitors and the tourism sector.
Before heading into nature
Many of Kimitoön’s most memorable places are in the archipelago and natural environments where help may take longer to reach than in an urban area. When exploring Kimitoön’s islands and nature areas, follow the safety and emergency guidance provided above, check current weather conditions and plan your activities according to your abilities and the prevailing conditions.