Permanent staff of the Center: Ms Loretta BELLUCCI, Ms Daniela FIORENTINI
MISSION
The European Centre for Disaster Medicine (CEMEC) is dedicated to advancing training and research in disaster medicine, targeting healthcare professionals and volunteers engaged in emergency response. Its overarching mission is to mitigate the impact of natural and technological disasters on human life through a holistic and innovative approach.
CORE OBJECTIVES
Standardized training: develop and support standardized teaching programs accessible to a wide audience in Europe, from the general public to specialized healthcare professionals.
Research promotion: foster and coordinate impactful research in disaster medicine and related fields.
Scientific collaboration: organize congresses and scientific meetings to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Education and awareness: promote public education and awareness about disaster preparedness and response.
Interdisciplinary exchange: encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among various healthcare disciplines.
Policy advising: provide expert advice to European and international bodies on matters pertaining to disaster medicine.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW AND STRATEGIC FOCUS
Founded in 1987, CEMEC has consistently prioritized the study, research, and training essential to addressing disasters and emergencies affecting individuals and ecosystems. Its legacy includes organizing international projects and leading initiatives in planning, education, dissemination, networking, and on-site operations. The founding members included the Ministers of Civil Protection from France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, the Republic of San Marino, Spain, and Turkey, as well as the Council of Europe and the World Health Organization.
Today, the Centre’s strategic focus is shaped by two transformative frameworks:
All-Hazards Approach: A comprehensive strategy addressing a wide spectrum of risks, including chemical, radiological, and other non-healthcare-specific hazards, to enhance public health resilience.
One Health Approach: An integrated methodology emphasizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health, advocating for a balanced and unified response to global health challenges.
VISION FOR CRISIS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT
CEMEC’s commitment lies in a holistic approach to crisis prevention, management, and response. It emphasizes public health, resilience, and the protection of populations and territories. By engaging in cutting-edge research, training, and the application of innovative technologies, the Centre seeks to drive advancements in disaster medicine.
ACTIVITY PILLARS
CEMEC’s initiatives are anchored in four foundational pillars:
Research, Study, and Analysis: Conducting rigorous research and analysis to address complex challenges in disaster medicine.
Training and Education: Delivering comprehensive educational programs tailored to diverse audiences.
Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating the dissemination of knowledge through publications, conferences, and digital platforms.
Scientific and Technical Assistance: Offering specialized support and expertise in disaster medicine and emergency preparedness.
Through these pillars, CEMEC continues to strengthen its multidimensional approach, fostering collaboration and innovation to enhance disaster resilience and public health outcomes across Europe and beyond.
PAST ACTIVITIES
CEMEC organized numerous courses in emergency and disaster medicine, collaborating with prominent national and international organizations such as the European Resuscitation Council, the Italian Resuscitation Council, the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, the European Advanced Hazmat Life Support Programme, and the Catholic University of Medicine in Rome. These courses addressed a wide range of training needs, offering programs on Advanced Adult Life Support (ALS), European Paediatric Life Support (EPLS), Intermediate Life Support (ILS), Advanced Hazmat Life Support (AHLS), Emergency CBRNe Management, and health legislation and emergency medical systems qualification. Other specialized topics included the psychological aspects of emergencies and disasters, veterinary and medical management of nuclear accidents, toxicological support and therapy, advanced mass casualty management, coronary life support, and addressing the acute and chronic toxicity of urban solid waste.
In terms of research, CEMEC worked closely with European specialized centres and international organizations to address pressing challenges. Notable projects included the Child Trauma Network, a collaborative initiative with partners from Spain, Algeria, Morocco, France, Belgium, Lebanon, and Tunisia, focusing on psychological and psychiatric support for children affected by emergencies. Another key project was the development of Tox.it, an innovative web platform dedicated to the toxicological aspects of emergencies and disasters.
CEMEC also made significant scholarly contributions through its publications, which included works such as The Evolution of Disaster Medicine, Public Health in Disaster Medicine, Early Health Measures in Maxi-Emergencies (1993), Emergency Care (1994), Toxicological Emergencies (1995), Health and Medical Implications of a Nuclear Emergency (1995), Accidental and Nuclear Emergencies (1995), Advances in Clinical Toxicology (1997, 1998), XIII International Training Courses in Disaster Medicine (1999), and Electromagnetic Waves: Risks and Certainties (2001). In addition, CEMEC published influential scientific papers, such as The Comprehensive Medical Preparedness in Chemical Emergencies; The Chain of Chemical Survival (Barelli et al., 2008), In-hospital Management of Victims of Chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction (Barelli et al., 2005), and The "EMER.CHEM" Project: Computerized Management of Hazardous Materials Incidents (Magalini and Barelli, 1996). These works have provided valuable insights into emergency preparedness and response.
CEMEC further advanced the field by organizing significant scientific meetings and conferences. Highlights included the European Master in Disaster Medicine (EMDM), developed in collaboration with the Universities of San Marino, Novara, and Brussels; the First European Congress on Emergency Medicine in April 1998; and events such as The Mental Health of Man Between Physical Environment and Inner World (2001), International Mass Casualties Experiences: Lessons from Kamchatka (2009), Psychology in Emergency: The Aquila Earthquake (2010), and The Fukushima Nuclear Accident: Is It Another Chernobyl? (2011). These initiatives reflect CEMEC’s commitment to advancing education, research, and collaboration in disaster medicine.
2024 ACTIVITIES
The total number of courses and events increased from 42 in 2018 to more than 150 in 2024, involving around 300 trainers and speakers. Total participant numbers grew from 765 in 2018 to around 7,000 in 2024.
In 2024, CEMEC conducted +100 training courses, involving +1,600 participants and around 250 trainers. These courses covered a wide range of topics in the field of disaster medicine and emergency management. In addition to training courses, CEMEC organized 7 events, involving around 550 participants and +25 trainers. These events covered a wide range of topics, including disaster risk management, emergency preparedness, advanced medical support, and resilience-building efforts. The curricula are delivered and certified, based on existing legal agreements, in partnership with the the University of the Republic of San Marino - Centre for Security Studies (CUFS), the University of Rome 'Tor Vergata” - Department of Electronic Engineering (DIE), and the Observatory on Security and CBRNe Defence (OSDIFE) in Italy.
CEMEC's 2024 agenda features +20 prestigious international meetings, demonstrating its commitment to fostering global collaboration in disaster prevention, management, and response. These engagements include partnerships with key institutions and stakeholders across diverse sectors, including civil protection, emergency medicine, and international security. CEMEC's international activities in 2024 included +50 courses, workshops, seminars, and conferences, with around 5,000 participants more than 60 speakers/trainers. These events focused on topics such as disaster risk management, public health emergencies, and CBRNe threat mitigation. The goal was to foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange in disaster medicine, involving key stakeholders from different countries.
RESEARCH AND PROJECTS
"EUROMED PROTECT-NET - Euro-Mediterranean Forum for Disaster Risk Governance, Health Preparedness, and Networking Advancement". The initiative, funded by the Council of Europe, is focused on strengthening disaster risk governance across the Euro-Mediterranean region, with a particular emphasis on health-related dimensions. The EUROMED PROTECT-NET Forum, held on 2-3 May 2024 in the Republic of San Marino, focused on enhancing capacity, knowledge, and cooperation among key actors in disaster reduction. The event welcomed Their Excellencies, the Captains Regent, the Secretary of State for Health, and many other authorities, along with Mr. Krzysztof Zyman, Executive Secretary of the Council of Europe's Major Hazards Agreement, EUR-OPA Centre Directors, Delegates, and Permanent Representatives. Over two days, Centres shared their roles, activities, and future prospects in disaster preparedness and management.
Project ENSURE-PROTECT: "Enhancing Safety and secUritRy for Civil defEncE Personnel by Protecting Rescuers with Training and Equipment". The project aims to provide effective protection measures for emergency teams operating in hostile environments through specialized training and tailored tools.
Project "SHIELD-EXCEL: "Advanced CBRN Protection and Training for Civil Defense and Emergency Responders". The project aims to enhance safety and readiness by providing training and exercises in controlled environments, utilizing a specialized chamber to test CBRN personal protective equipments (PPEs) and response protocols.
PUBLICATIONS
In 2024, CEMEC significantly advanced the field of disaster medicine and emergency management by authoring and publishing 10 impactful scientific articles and books. These contributions highlight the Centre's dedication to research excellence and knowledge dissemination. The scientific endeavors and publications of 2024 encompass:
R. Mugavero. Global Security, Civil Protection and Defence, Emerging Risk Scenarios and Public Health, Public Health Journals n. 11 pp 7-17, ISBN 979-12-81648-00-5, April 2024.
R. Mugavero. Open Source Intelligence, Book - Private Investigations: Operational Guide - pp 243-250, BTT Editor, ISBN/EAN: 979-12-80487-65-0, May 2024.
R. Mugavero. Connecting Chemistry and Applied Sciences for Disaster Resilience: Innovations, Challenges, and Opportunities 3rd European Congress on “Chemistry and Applied Sciences” Proceedings. Amsterdam, Netherlands, June 2024.
R. Mugavero, M. Alkuhaly. Safety Procedures for Healthcare Professionals in Conflict Zones, ISBN: 978-88-6086-246-4, AIEP Publisher, August 2024.
R. Mugavero. Safety and Emergency Guidelines for Active Bystanders in Natural, Technological, and Intentional Incidents, ISBN: 978-88-6086-250-1, AIEP Publisher October 2024.
Farhat, H., Alinier, G., Bajow, N., Batt, A. M., Helou, M., Campbell, C., Shin, H., Mortelmans, L., Dehghani, A., Dumbeck, C., Mugavero, R., Aboujalala, W., Zelfani, S., Laughton, J., Ciottone, G., & Ben Dhiab, M. Transforming CBRN readiness through AI-powered Delphi methods: A trailblazing approach to regional cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa. EUSEM 2024: European Emergency Medicine Congress - Poster, October 2024.
Farhat, H., Alinier, G., Bajow, N., Batt, A., Helou, M. C., Campbell, C., Shin, H., Mortelmans, L., Dehghani, A., Dumbeck, C., Mugavero, R., Abougalala, W., Zelfani, S., Laughton, J., Ciottone, G., & Ben Dhiab, M. Preparedness and response strategies for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents in the Middle East and North Africa: An artificial intelligence-enhanced Delphi approach. ISSN: 1935-7893 Cambridge University Press, October 2024.
Mugavero, R., Marvelli E. Governance of Big Data and Legal Aspects, ISBN: 978-88-6086-253-2. AIEP Publisher October 2024.
Mugavero, R., Fiorentini, D., Bellucci, L., Caruso, L. EUROMED PROTECT-NET: Euro-Mediterranean Forum for Disaster Risk Governance, Health Preparedness, and Networking Advancement - Proceedings. ISBN: 978-88-6086-251-8, AIEP Publisher, October 2024.
Farhat, H., Ciottone, G., Laughton, J., Helou, M., Bajow, N., Batt, A. M., Shin, H., Mortelmans, L., Dehghani, A., Dumbeck, C., Mugavero, R., Abujalala, W., Alinier, G., & Ben Dhiab, M. Empowered Analysis Using Artificial Intelligence Algorithms for a New Era of Health Sector Preparedness and Response Strategies to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Major Incidents in the Middle East and North Africa World Health Organization - 6th Emergency Medical Teams Global Meeting - Poster, November 2024.
OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The European Centre for Disaster Medicine (CEMEC) has officially been designated as a Civil Protection operational structure following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This strategic agreement marks a significant advancement in optimizing emergency response efforts. With this new memorandum, CEMEC will be able to deploy swiftly in emergency situations, providing advanced medical assistance. Services include emergency first aid, patient stabilization, clinical evaluation, urgent therapy administration
In 2024, CEMEC took part in about 10 international operational activities, including simulations, multinational exercises, and crisis preparedness workshops. These activities aimed to strengthen disaster response capabilities, advance disaster risk reduction efforts, improve threat assessment processes, and enhance operational readiness for emergencies.
AGREEMENTS
In 2024, CEMEC strengthened its global presence and commitment to advancing disaster medicine and emergency management by formalizing strategic partnerships through the signing of 10 new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements, established with both national and international organizations, underscore CEMEC's dedication to fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and promoting innovation on a worldwide scale. Through these partnerships, the Centre continues to enhance its role as a key player in building resilience and preparedness across diverse sectors and regions.
SOCIAL MEDIA
LinkedIn and Facebook profiles are regularly updated to highlight and promote CEMEC's ongoing activities and initiatives.
