Chat with us, powered by LiveChatrescEU: over €106 million for first pan-European field hospital - FASI
FASI - Funding Aid Strategies Investments

rescEU: over €106 million for first pan-European field hospital

|News
02 May 2023

A map showing seismic activity in Turkey and Syria - European Commission - Copyright: Christophe LicoppeTo increase emergency medical support to populations affected by large-scale natural or man-made disasters, the European Commission is allocating over 106 million euros to different Member States to develop the new rescEU EMT (Emergency Medical Team) capability.

"This new rescEU capability is to take shape as what is the biggest field hospital in Europe and one of the most advanced worldwide. This joint venture between the European Commission and eight Member and Participating States is another key cornerstone in boosting the EU’s ability to prepare for and respond to various disasters. I would like to thank all of them contributing to the growth of rescEU, the strategic response safety net at EU level, since its creation in 2019", said Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management.

The development of this rescEU EMT aligns with the World Health Organisation (WHO) EMT Initiative, which aims to reduce loss of life and prevent long-term disability caused by disasters, outbreaks and other emergencies.

This rescEU EMT will complement existing EMTs in the world and in Europe by providing high standards in medical response and ensuring an effective and comprehensive response in a wide variety of disaster events affecting population health.

Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania and Türkiye will be the States where money will be allocated: the project will establish 3 Emergency Medical Teams Type 2 (EMT2), which will include surgery and diagnostic services. Additionally, 17 specialised care teams, will offer intensive care, burn treatment, patient transport, advanced diagnostic, mother and child support, rehabilitation, mental health support, orthopaedic treatment, laboratory, oxygen supply and support to telecommunication.

This rescEU capability will become gradually operational as of 2024 and will allow a response to a wide range of disaster scenarios. The teams will be able to operate autonomously and support existing national healthcare facilities in case the latter are not able to cope with a given emergency. This new structure will complement the crucial role in emergency response already ensured by 15 Emergency Medical Teams offered by Member and Participating States to the European Civil Protection Pool.

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