Last April 29th and 30th, the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Toulouse Purpan hosted the first training of the European project POCTEFA SA-URG, a major initiative to strengthen the response to emergency and disaster situations on both sides of the Pyrenees. This first training session was held in the unique facilities of the Environmental and Neurosensory Simulation Center (SENS) of the CHU of Toulouse, an immersive and multisensory space at the forefront of innovation that allows to recreate extreme emergency situations: rain, snow, smoke, vibrations, 3D scenarios... An ideal environment to learn how to react effectively in conditions close to reality.
Common training to perform better together
The objective of the training was clear: to prepare cross-border mobile health teams capable of intervening quickly and in a coordinated manner in the event of serious accidents, natural disasters or large gatherings. To this end, professionals from various emergency services on both sides of the Pyrenees were brought together, including the Navarre Health Service-Osasunbidea, the Integrated Assistance Services of Aran, the SAMU of CHIVA, the SAMU 31 and the CHU of Toulouse.
In the program:
> Theoretical modules on damage control and ORSEC/NOVI devices, to harmonize knowledge and crisis management protocols.
> Practical workshops and immersive scenarios to perfect classification techniques, mountain rescue and on-site assistance.
Learning to overcome barriers and cooperate
Beyond the technical training, this first SA-URG project training was intended to promote teamwork between professionals from different cultures, services and languages, an essential issue when it comes to working together on events where speed and coordination are vital.
As underlined by several participants, this experience made them aware of the organizational and linguistic differences, but above all it trained them to overcome them and to put the attention to the victims at the center of the common action. Teamwork, debriefing and collective analysis of the exercises were strong moments that enriched individual skills.
SA-URG, co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A POCTEFA 2021-2027 program, aims to create a cross-border network of health cooperation and common training. This first training marks the concrete start of this ambitious SA-URG program which, relying on immersive training and active collaboration, aims to durably reinforce the safety and effectiveness of emergency interventions throughout the Pyrenean chain.
