S.O.O.S. Basic Life Support Training Held

As part of the project Sombor Osijek Emergency Response Partnership – S.O.O.S., funded through the INTERREG VI-A IPA Croatia-Serbia 2021-2027, a pilot action Basic Life Support (BLS) using Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) was successfully carried out.

Licensed national instructors from the Lead partner Emergency Medical Service of Osijek-Baranja County conducted cross-border pilot sessions for the partner institution Health Center “Dr. Đorđe Lazić” Sombor focused on first aid procedures with the aim of prevention of sudden cardiac arrest using AEDs.

During six training sessions participants had the opportunity to observe the exchange of knowledge and skills between Croatian and Serbian medical personnel in providing first aid in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. They also tested the practical skills acquired during the training in administering first aid with AED devices, which many Serbian laypersons and firefighters encountered for the first time. Croatian instructors further strengthened their competencies in training laypersons to provide first aid in cases of sudden cardiac arrest using AEDs, while also gaining insight into the procedures followed by Serbian medical personnel. The result will be a developed network of AED devices and equipment for first-aid in cases of sudden cardiac arrest on the territory of West Bačka district following the example of Emergency Medical Service of Osijek-Baranja County.

This pilot action was implemented in line with the national plan and programme, with a strong focus on cross-border cooperation, knowledge transfer, and capacity building between project partners.

All participants received certificates titled “Basic Life Support with the Use of an Automated External Defibrillator,” issued by the Croatian Institute of Emergency Medicine. The transfer of knowledge and skills was also aimed at further expanding the network of laypersons trained to provide first aid in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

Through the implementation of this pilot action, the level of knowledge and preparedness for providing first aid among project partners was further enhanced, representing an important contribution to strengthening emergency medical care systems on both sides of the border.