EMPEN course in Budapest provides new perspectives for first responder police services

From 12 to 15 September 2023, the International Training Centre, with the support of the Counter Terrorism Centre, organised in Budapest the CEPOL onsite Activity 86/2023 on European Medical and Psychological Experts' Network for law enforcement (EMPEN) - medical emergency response, to provide new perspectives for first responder police services. The course took place at the headquarters of the Counter Terrorism Centre, where 28 law enforcement officials with special medical skills from 22 Member States worked in small groups, monitored by several instructors.

The main goal of the 4-day long training activity was to improve the medical response to mass casualty incidents and enhance the medical capacities concerning the management of mass casualty events in law enforcement services. The participants successfully established effective training capabilities in this field by exchanging knowledge and experience regarding the preparation, planning and organisation of a coordinated response for mass casualty situations. Those who completed the course successfully will be able to cascade their knowledge effectively in their home countries.

The organisers, with the support of ATLAS and Hungarian experts, succeeded in transferring practical knowledge at a European level, which can greatly contribute to the development and implementation of Member States' own practices.

During practical demonstrations, the experts showcased the practice of examination and treatment of critical bleeding. One of the aims of this simulation exercise was to give students an insight into the physical reality of the theoretical knowledge provided by the experts. Participants also had the opportunity to demonstrate their practical skills at the scene of a mass metro incident.

Thanks to their engagement and active involvement, participants gained practical experience and theoretical knowledge related to mass casualty incidents and they will be able to pass their knowledge on effectively in their home countries.

Author: Hungarian National Police (Hungary)

---

News from partners: Contributions are directly provided by CEPOL partners and published in this section “as is”. As a result, CEPOL shall hold no responsibility in the accuracy of content provided by the partner. Opinions reflected in these news from partners shall not be deemed to represent CEPOL’s Management or staff’s opinion.