In July 2019, after two years of work, the project “Interaction, capacities strengthening and joint risk mitigation of Latvian and Lithuanian medical and rescuers crews during liquidation of collapsed buildings (ResCo)” has been completed. The purpose of the ResCo project was to strengthen the cooperation and effectiveness of the services of the two countries in the border area in providing assistance to citizens in emergency situations and to educate the public about safe action. The project is implemented by the Latvian Emergency Medical Service (SEMS) in cooperation with the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), and by the Lithuanian Fire and Rescue Service (FDR) and the Utena County Primary Health Care Center (UPHCC).
One of the most significant activities during the project was a three-day training of the two countries’ services in Kalkūne, Daugavpils region, in August 2018, simulating the collapse of the building with many victims. Training was attended by about 100 medics and firefighters. The training process was followed by independent experts who subsequently made recommendations for better transnational and inter-service cooperation. Experts note that training participants have gained invaluable experience in cooperating with rescue and medical services from another country, but that further cooperation is essential, including regular theoretical and practical training, including involving hospitals. Organized field training has resulted in a training film to be used in the staff training process to develop the skills of medical and paramedical personnel, providing assistance to victims.
- Photo from service field training simulating building collapse, August 2018: http://bit.ly/ResCo_mācības
- Practical training video created during the project:
In order to learn the right actions in various dangerous situations from an early age, the representatives of the services went to visit the very youngest – children of pre-school educational establishments of Utena and Daugavpils region. Medics and rescuers from both countries, attended 48 kindergartens and introduced nearly seven thousand preschoolers and educators on what to do in the event of an accident.
More information about the visits to pre-school and photos from the events you can find in project news: here and here
In the project services also purchased separate technical units and equipment for the regional units of Latgale and Utena district services, which will strengthen their ability to respond on a day-to-day and emergency basis. For example, medical equipment – for SEMS medical teams – defibrillators, which are used both for heart rate and diagnostics of various vital signs, artificial lung ventilation device, perfuser and training mannequins. On the other hand, SFRS and Lithuanian medics acquired new specialized vehicles which will be used when going to people who needs help from firefighters or medical staff.
- Pictures of main equipment which was purchased in the project: here
