Combined Intensive Program HELP in the Field of Emergency Medical Care Concludes in Šibenik

The Blended Intensive Program (BIP) titled "Healthcare Excellence in Lifesaving Practice – HELP" was held in Šibenik from June 28 to July 4, 2026. This international program was organized by the Catholic University of Croatia in cooperation with its partner institutions—the Academy of Medical and Applied Social Sciences from Poland (Akademia Medycznych i Społecznih Nauk Stosowanych) and the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ljubljana from Slovenia (Univerza v Ljubljani, Zdravstvena fakulteta). The program combined online lectures and intensive in-person classes with the aim of educating participants and comparing the emergency medical systems of the three countries.

The first part of the training began on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, with an introductory online session. Led by Assistant Professor Ivica Matić, PhD, participants were introduced to the program goals and platform, and adopted a common framework for comparing emergency care systems. The public health contexts and organizational structures of emergency medical services in Croatia, Poland, and Slovenia were presented, and students worked in international teams to compare care models, workforces, and emergency response methods in these three countries.

The central in-person portion of the program took place from June 28 to July 4, 2026, in Šibenik. Professional and practical training focused on procedures at the scene of an accident began on Monday, June 29. Assistant Professor Matić delivered lectures on immediately life-threatening conditions, as well as on assessing consciousness, breathing, and cardiac function, alongside procedures for choking and unconsciousness. Polish experts Rafał Śledziński and Przemysław Wołoszyn led modules on the proper positioning of injured persons, helmet removal, and applying a Shantz collar, which the students then practiced hands-on.

The second day of the in-person program was dedicated to airway management, covering the causes of respiratory arrest, indications and contraindications for manual ventilation, and the techniques and complications of ventilation using a BVM mask, with an emphasis on infection prevention. Following the practical work, the program continued in a natural environment with a visit to Krka National Park, where the provision of emergency care under specific outdoor conditions was analyzed.

On the third day of the program, the focus shifted to circulation. Polish experts Rafał Śledziński and Przemysław Wołoszyn held lectures and practical training sessions on cardiac arrest, the importance of early resuscitation, distinguishing between reversible and irreversible causes of cardiac arrest, and demonstrated chest compression techniques and safe defibrillation (CPR and AED) on adults.

The fourth day covered bleeding management and the specific characteristics of pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CUC teaching assistant Marin Čargo led modules on distinguishing between internal and external bleeding, bleeding control methods, personal protection during procedures, and the classification and administration of medications in resuscitation.

On Friday, July 3, participants went on professional study visits to the Institute for Emergency Medicine of Šibenik-Knin County and the Šibenik General Hospital, after which they continued practicing advanced resuscitation techniques using an AED device. The final exam was conducted on the last day of the program.