A CBRN event requires a conscious response from point of exposure to definitive hospital management. Being training a key element of healthcare system preparedness, the EMT2-ITA Regione Piemonte (EMT2-ITA) developed a new CBRN specific course including CBRN awareness, personal protective equipment, patient classification, and related treatment.

The current study aimed to assess the quality of this new model of training through the evaluation of the courses provided by the EMT2-ITA to professionals belonging to the EMT2 pool or to the regional healthcare system.

The survey study was based on a Likert-scale questionnaire specifically designed (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.9115). The overall Training Quality (TQ) index was calculated as the average value of the rating given by all the participants. Open text feedback was also collected.

An online survey was sent by email to all professionals (165 people) trained during the different course editions held between November 2023 and June 2024. The statistical analysis of the results was performed using Stata 15.1.

Ninety-nine people (response rate: 60%) completed the survey. The high value registered for TQ (4.58 ± 0.47) shows good appreciation by all the participants with different roles (62% nurses, 28% medical doctors, 10% others). Stratified analyses did not show a statistical significance, with the only exception of single questions analyses showing a P-value less than 0.05 for age and role categories.

The new EMT2-ITA CBRN training course has been evaluated by different groups of professionals, both healthcare and technical, as useful and complete to improve healthcare system preparedness.

During disasters, support for victims is prioritized, with EMTs providing essential medical care. However, the health of EMT members and other supporters is often overlooked. To address this issue, Japan implemented the J-SPEED Health Checkup tool for the first time during the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024 to collect real-time health data on EMTs and supporters.

This study aims to examine the fatigue levels and influencing factors among EMT members and other supporters.

The J-SPEED Health Checkup tool collected data on fatigue levels and factors such as working environment, activity type, job type. Fatigue levels were measured on a scale from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater fatigue. A multivariable regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between fatigue and these factors.

From January 1 to March 31, 2024, a total of 20,551 data were collected. Logisticians reported significantly higher fatigue scores than other job types, with an increase of 0.23 points. Those working in headquarters also had higher fatigue scores compared to other activity types, with an increase of 0.19 points. Responders who perceived worse “unclear tasks,” “unsafe working environment,” and “lack of meals and breaks” reported significantly higher fatigue levels.

The study highlights the significant impact of job type, activity type, and perceived working conditions on the fatigue levels of EMT members and other supporters during disaster response efforts. Addressing these factors is crucial to ensuring the well-being of responders, which in turn can enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response operations.

Since the start of the full-scale military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation in 2022, Ukrainian hospitals have been operating under surge capacity - working relentlessly to manage the tidal wave of war-wounded patients. Retrospective analysis of war-wounded casualty surgical admissions in a reconstructive hospital along the Trauma Pathway shows that 90% of casualties present with severe tissue and bone infections, due to sub-optimal surgical interventions, IPC measures and antibiotic usage in the Trauma Stabilization Points and secondary hospitals. Life-saving strategies predominately center around re-amputation with long durations of antibiotics, resulting in long length of hospital stay, excess morbidity and mortality, and delayed progression to rehabilitation.

To support the implementation and evaluation of an infectious disease and antimicrobial stewardship program in a surgical department in a reconstructive hospital along the Ukrainian Trauma Pathway

An INGO supported the Ukrainian tertiary hospital to implement “Antimicrobial stewardship programs in health-care facilities in low-and middle-income countries: a WHO practical toolkit”

The following results were evaluated from March 2023 to September 2023:

• The average duration of antibiotics reduced from 5.18 days to 3.92 days

• The average cost of antibiotics per patient reduced from $31.2 to $19.33 USD and cost of surgical prophylaxis antibiotics per patient reduced from $4.87 to $3.17 USD

Implementing an Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infectious Disease Program in a surgical department of a tertiary hospital could support the quicker movement of patients to rehabilitation, reduce cost to the health facility and support clinicians to more effectively treat war-wounded patients in a conflict zone.

Integrating military and civilian capabilities in emergency medical teams (EMTs) is underexplored in Poland. Enhanced coordination between these sectors can significantly improve EMT development and deployment, aligning with international guidelines and adapting to Poland’s specific context.

The primary objectives are to develop policies for seamless civil-military collaboration in EMT operations, establish universally recognized and locally relevant standards, enhance EMT capabilities through joint training programs, implement rapid mobilization and effective coordination strategies, and create interoperable systems for coordination between EMTs and other rapid response capacities.

This study employs a multi-faceted approach, including developing joint protocols and communication channels for civil-military coordination, aligning with WHO guidelines while adapting to local needs. It establishes benchmarks for consistency and quality across military and civilian EMTs. Joint training programs focus on skill development, operational coordination, and cultural competence. Agile strategies for rapid mobilization and joint operational plans are designed. Interoperable systems for effective coordination and resource sharing between EMTs and other rapid response teams are developed.

The approach facilitates more efficient EMT deployments, enhances operational consistency through standardized protocols, builds competent responders through training, improves rapid response capabilities, and optimizes resource utilization through seamless coordination and interoperability.

Leveraging civil-military collaboration can significantly enhance Poland’s EMT capabilities. By focusing on policy innovation, standard setting, capacity building, emergency response, and interoperability, Poland can establish a robust and integrated emergency response framework. This vision strengthens national capabilities and sets a precedent for harmonizing civil and military efforts in emergency medical response globally.

The digitalization of the humanitarian sector promises to enable swifter and more efficient aid delivery. However, as humanitarian organizations (HOs) increasingly rely on digital technologies, they become more vulnerable to cyber threats. This vulnerability was highlighted by the data breach suffered by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 2022, and the cyberattacks during the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. Unfortunately, despite HOs recognizing the importance of implementing strategies to mitigate the impact of potential cyber incidents, these often face both academic and practical limitations, as they are primarily designed for private companies.

This study aims to identify cyber threats, challenges and gaps in current strategies reported by the literature to provide recommendations for strengthening cybersecurity strategies tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of HOs.

This study presents the results of a comprehensive review that maps existing threats and challenges associated with the digitalization of humanitarian aid delivery, as well as the current cyber preparedness, response and communication strategies employed by HOs.

Our results reveal a range of cyber threats and challenges faced by HOs and show a notable lack of preparedness, response, and communication strategies to address these threats.

The absence of comprehensive strategies underscores the need for further research and the development of tailored solutions to strengthen cybersecurity within the humanitarian sector. HOs must draw lessons from other sectors and implement robust preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the impact of potential cyber incidents, ensuring the protection of victims and the organizations’ reputations.

The Philippines, a nation frequently in the crosshair of typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities, has polished its disaster response capabilities through years of challenging experience.

Since 2013, after the country was struck by Super Typhoon Haiyan, efforts were made to strengthen its own emergency medical teams based on global standards. Exactly 10 years after, from once recipient of international aid, for the first time, the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team was deployed internationally in response to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Republic of Türkiye in 2023.

PEMAT served a total of 1,022 patients during their 14-day operation within the 21-day duration of the mission.

Despite the extreme cold weather, language barrier, cultural differences, unfamiliar surroundings, long travel, PEMAT provided quality health services to the people of Adiyaman. Majority (97.4%) of the patients rated the PEMAT service as “excellent,” and none rated the service as “poor” and “very poor”.

PEMAT’s first international deployment showcased the country’s capacity to respond effectively to disasters, both domestically and internationally. It is a testament to the “Bayanihan” spirit of the Filipino people and the unwavering commitment and solidarity in helping those in need, anytime and anywhere in the world.

The journey from a domestic response to a global humanitarian workforce is a remarkable transformation. As the Philippines continues to face its own challenges, the lessons from the said international deployment will be applied to strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness and response, especially with the possibility of an earthquake happening in the country’s capital.