Lapland Rescue Service saves berry picker trapped in swamp in Kolari municipality

In July, the Lapland Rescue Service encountered an unusual task in Kolari municipality when they rescued a berry picker who had become stuck in a swamp. When found, only the individual’s head and toes were visible. Such incidents of getting bogged down are rare, according to on-duty fire chief Timo Nyholm from the Lapland Rescue Service. “We don’t handle these types of cases every year; statistically, they are very infrequent,” he said.

However, animal rescues from swamps are more common in Lapland, with several occurring annually. These typically involve livestock such as cattle and horses or wild animals like reindeer and moose. Nyholm noted the dangers associated with swamp immersion, including hypothermia and frostbite. “Falling into any water body is dangerous, particularly due to the cold temperatures, increasing the risk of hypothermia,” he advised.

To stay safe, Nyholm urges individuals to keep their mobile phones protected in a waterproof case to call for help in emergencies. He also emphasizes that if a boot doesn’t reach the dry ground, it is better to turn back to a more solid area. If one finds themselves stuck in a swamp, they should remain calm, assess the situation, and carefully attempt to free themselves by moving horizontally to increase buoyancy.

While it is theoretically possible to become so deeply submerged that escape is impossible, Nyholm reassures that as long as one can use their hands and feet, self-rescue is achievable.