Project No.224 QUALITY MEDICAL CARE has been proceeded with the organisation of multi-institutional disaster management training in Daugavpils and Zarasai, where 10 institutions from Latvia and Lithuania were represented and together participated in the disaster management training, that included three meetings and involved  73 people (including simulated victims in practical training). As theoretical part took place in Daugavpils (Daugavpils Regional Hospital, Daugavpils, Latvia), practical training took part in Zarasai, simulating very realistic situation – disaster during the music festival.

In the theoretical part, mistakes in patient sorting, police work, as well as the discrepancy of the equipment with some situations were identified. Differences in notification mechanisms in both countries and actions in such situations were discussed during three meeting. It was realised that institutions in Daugavpils are better trained and prepared for emergency situations. During the training, operational algorithms were developed, that was later presented in the disaster management guidelines.

Simulation of a disaster took place on the 21st of May, 2018. Zarasai (Lithuania) – specialists from  fire brigades, rescuers, border guards, civil defence specialists, emergency medical service specialists, police officers and Municipalities responsible persons participated in the disaster simulation training. Victims of the disaster were simulated by the nurse physicians from Daugavpils Medical College.

There is no agreement on border co-operation that would regulate the operational co-operation of urgent medical services, with the exception of the State Fire and Rescue Service.

Training participants acknowledged that such training was very useful to develop cooperation between different institutions, evaluation of practical actions, exchanging  different experiences.

After disaster management training CBC guidelines were prepared basing of its results and challenges.

The guidelines include communication, coordination and response to the procedures in place for the management of mass casualty incident in cross-border region between Latvian and Lithuanian health care facilities, first responders and other relevant actors. The guidelines are to describe: the exchange of information and identify existing communication channels between in management of mass casualty incident in cross-border region; describe decision-making processes and responsibilities in institutions involved in management of mass casualty incident in cross-border region;  present  the standard operating procedures in place, resources available both within institutions and at national level to respond to mass casualty incident in cross-border region; underline understanding of the management of the response to mass casualty incident in cross-border region; question understanding of the funding arrangements for the medical assistance provided in case of cross-border cooperation between countries in mass casualty incident.

Including disaster management elements in the cross-border cooperation agreements or plans described in the previous chapter provides the basis for a coordinated and effective system of cross-border cooperation that is ready to provide assistance after the moment it is most needed.

Successful cross-border co-operation in disaster management will enable the responsible authorities of the cities and local authorities in the border region to more effectively carry out those tasks for civil protection, which in turn will contribute to the security, progress and development of border regions.