Life Saving Medal

The Lifesaving Medal (Hengenpelastusmitali) is a Finnish decoration awarded by the President of the Republic. It may be awarded in recognition of saving another person's life from imminent danger through an act performed either with exceptional resourcefulness and courage or at risk of one's own life. Medals have been awarded since 1920. The medal and the accompanying certificate are issued free of charge.

A proposal to award the medal is made by application to the Regional State Administrative Agency whose jurisdiction covers the place where the act occurred, or, if the act occurred abroad, to the agency where the person who performed the act is registered as a resident. The proposal must be made within five years of the end of the calendar year in which the act occurred, but may be made later for special reasons. The Regional State Administrative Agency investigates the matter and sends the documents, together with its opinion, to the Lifesaving Medal Board at the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland. The Lifesaving Medal Board considers proposals once a year. The matter is then presented to the President of the Republic.