News End Year Summary
The European Centre for Disaster Medicine Celebrates Successful Conclusion of 2023 with a “Medical Disaster & Incident Risk Management Course” and a live Mass Casualty Incident exercise
The European Centre for Disaster Medicine Celebrates Successful Conclusion of 2023 with a “Medical Disaster & Incident Risk Management Course” and a live Mass Casualty Incident exerciseResearch and Projects:
CEMEC embarked on various research endeavours, such as founding the “Centre for Disasters, Forensic, and Biometric Sciences”. Noteworthy studies included optimizing healthcare in emergencies and conducting a comparative analysis of national approaches to incident management. These initiatives underscore CEMEC's dedication to advancing disaster medicine.
International Traineeship Programme:
CEMEC's International Traineeship Programme attracted participants globally, fostering an international network vital for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
International Network:
The European Centre for Disaster Medicine holds the distinction of being among the founding institution of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM) European Chapter. This pioneering initiative underscores the Centre's leadership and key role in fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advancements in the field of disaster and emergency medicine on a global scale.
Courses and Trainings:
Delivering over 70 courses in diverse areas, CEMEC showcased its commitment to comprehensive training. The activities covered topics such as Maxi-Emergencies, Public Health, Environmental Studies, and Safety, ensuring a well-rounded educational approach that extends beyond traditional clinical medical training.
International Meetings and Conferences:
CEMEC actively participated in many international meetings, fostering bilateral and regional cooperation at both intra and extra EU levels. Engagements included interactions with esteemed organizations such as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, the Council of Europe, the United Nations, and its agencies. The Centre also organized and participated in numerous conferences and workshops worldwide, contributing significantly to the global discourse on disaster medicine. This outreach emphasized collaboration not only within the European Union but also beyond, highlighting CEMEC's commitment to international partnerships and knowledge exchange.
Education Initiatives:
CEMEC extended its commitment to education by delivering courses for teachers, students, and young generations. These initiatives, including the delivery of “Basic Life Support Defibrillation” trainings for high school educators and seniors, as well as first aid and road safety education for high school students, aimed to inspire a culture of safety and preparedness from an early age.
Publications:
In 2023, CEMEC published two technical-scientific international books, "Mastering Civil Defence in Times of Conflict" and "The Distinctive Role of Civil Protection in Armed Conflict Contexts," further contributing to the academic discourse in disaster medicine.
Operational Activities:
CEMEC has been actively engaged in almost 20 operational activities, extending its reach from San Marino to diverse locations, including Italy, Croatia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Korea, and the Philippines. These engagements encompass both participation in and organization of international exercises, showcasing CEMEC's concrete dedication to practical preparedness and effective response strategies across a global spectrum.
Online Presence:
The launch of a new website and active engagement on social media platforms, with over 2000 followers on Facebook and LinkedIn each, has strengthened CEMEC's online presence and facilitated greater outreach.
Closure of 2023 Activities:
The “Medical Disaster & Incident Risk Management Course” and its accompanying live Mass Casualty Incident exercise, the culminating event of the year held in December 2023, witnessed the participation of over 50 professionals and experts. This event represents CEMEC's ultimate commitment to advancing disaster medicine in 2023 and lays the foundation for another year of impactful initiatives in 2024.
Acknowledgment:
The European Centre for Disaster Medicine gratefully acknowledges its dedicated staff, instructors, and collaborators for their key role in the success of 2023. Their unwavering commitment, expertise, and collaborative spirit have been the driving force behind CEMEC's achievements, reinforcing the Centre's position as a leading institution in the field of disaster medicine.