Activities
Work package n°2 - Experience Exchange And Project Meetings
A1 - Experience exchange of volunteers from Cyprus - DYAK as partner - ASSB host from Romania
Between May 14–18, 2024, partners from the project *Promotion of Volunteering in Providing First Aid in Emergency Situations (PRO-VES)* organized an experience exchange activity hosted in Romania by ASSB, with volunteers from the Cyprus Ambulance Service as special guests. This event brought together 20 volunteers—10 from each country—providing an opportunity for comprehensive training in first aid and emergency response.
Topics Covered in the Activity
- Initial Assessment of Participants: Evaluating participants to set learning objectives and determine their level of readiness.
- Raising Awareness of the Importance of First Aid in Emergencies: Through presentations and interactive discussions.
- Practical Exercises and Case Studies: Volunteers engaged in simulations and exercises based on real-life scenarios.
- Skill Development: Demonstrating specific first-aid techniques used by volunteers to enhance practical abilities.
- Presentation of the "There’s a Hero in Each of You" Program: Emphasizing civic responsibility in providing first aid.
- Promoting Collaboration between the Two Volunteer Organizations: With a focus on establishing common working methods.
- Post-Participation Impact Assessment: Evaluating the impact on participants, followed by the awarding of participation certificates.
Outcomes of the Activity
This experience exchange achieved significant results, contributing to:
- Development of Practical Skills: Training 40 volunteers, enhancing their ability to deliver first aid in emergencies.
- Increased Awareness of Emergency Response Techniques: Promoting a deeper understanding of emergency preparedness.
- Enhanced Collaboration Between Volunteer Organizations from Cyprus and Romania: Facilitating emergency management cooperation at the European level.
- Improved Patient Services: Volunteers’ application of newly acquired skills positively impacted local communities.
This activity offers long-term benefits both to the volunteers, through the development of essential skills, and to the communities served, due to improved first-aid services. Furthermore, this exchange promotes cross-national collaboration in emergency volunteerism, supporting improved emergency management across Europe.
IMPACT REPORT
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A2 - Experience exchange of volunteers from ASSB Romania with the host partner DYAK from Cyprus
Between July 18–22, 2024, the PRO-VES project facilitated another experience exchange, this time hosted by volunteers from the Cyprus Ambulance Service, with their Romanian counterparts from ASSB participating. This event brought together 20 volunteers from both countries, creating an ideal setting for sharing knowledge, practices, and fostering collaboration aimed at improving first-aid interventions in emergencies.
Key Topics Covered
- Initial Participant Assessment: Tailoring activities to provide a personalized learning experience.
- Raising Awareness on the Importance of First-Aid Preparedness: Emphasizing the critical role of quick and accurate responses in emergencies.
- Practical Exercises and Case Studies: Volunteers engaged in simulations and applied case studies, tailored to real emergency scenarios.
- Demonstration of First-Aid Techniques: Highlighting effective procedures commonly used by emergency services and adapted to community needs.
- Promoting International Collaboration and Teamwork: Exploring cooperative methods to strengthen ties and operational efficiency.
- Final Evaluation and Certification: Reviewing each participant's experience and recognizing their achievements through skill certifications.
Activity Impact and Results
This experience exchange had a significant impact, yielding notable outcomes for both volunteers and participating organizations:
- Development of First-Aid Skills: Volunteers honed essential practical skills needed in emergency situations.
- Enhanced Preparedness and Awareness for Critical Situations: Contributing to prompt, appropriate emergency responses.
- Strengthened International Collaboration: Establishing a support network between Romanian and Cypriot organizations, promoting a European-level support system.
- Improved Emergency Medical Services: Through the application of learned techniques, volunteers contribute to more effective emergency management in their communities.
Conclusion and Long-Term Benefits
This activity provided sustainable benefits, supporting volunteers in developing practical skills and enhancing the quality of emergency services available to citizens. Moreover, the collaboration between the two organizations strengthens an essential partnership, with the potential to improve emergency coordination both nationally and internationally.
IMPACT REPORT
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A3 - Transnational project meeting in Cyprus
On September 12–13, 2024, the Promotion of Volunteering in Providing First Aid in Emergency Situations (PRO-VES) project facilitated a transnational meeting held in Paphos, Cyprus. Hosted by O.P.E.I., this event gathered 15 participants from the five partner organizations involved in the project. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the progress of implemented activities, address financial aspects, and develop dissemination strategies to ensure project impact.
Key Topics Covered in the Meeting
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Project Management: Participants reviewed the status of implemented activities, identifying strengths and challenges encountered thus far. Improvement plans were discussed to optimize project execution.
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Analysis of Experience Exchange Outcomes: Conclusions and impacts of the exchange between Romanian and Cypriot volunteers were reviewed, emphasizing benefits in skill development and transnational cooperation.
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Financial Management: Each partner organization presented an interim financial report, followed by a session on resource allocation and budget efficiency for upcoming activities.
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Promotion and Dissemination Strategies: The effectiveness of current project promotion strategies was evaluated, and new communication channels and target audiences were established to maximize visibility and impact.
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Closing Ceremony and Certification of Participants: The meeting concluded with a ceremony where participation certificates were awarded, summarizing activities and reinforcing partners' commitment to the project goals.
Results and Impact
The Cyprus meeting provided an essential platform for effective partner coordination, ensuring the project's successful implementation. Discussions on promotion and dissemination strategies are expected to enhance the initiative's visibility and raise awareness about the importance of volunteering in emergency situations.
Work package n°3 - Psycho-Social Education For Volunteers From The Emergency System
A3.1 - Development of a psycho-social education guide
Emergency system volunteers are not merely participants in intervention efforts; they are often the foundational pillars of their communities during crises. The impact that these volunteers have within their communities is profound and can lead to significant transformations. One of their most essential roles is establishing a climate of trust within the community. People tend to feel vulnerable and uncertain in times of crisis, but the presence of volunteers who can communicate with empathy and provide emotional support helps reduce anxiety and fear. A community that feels it can rely on volunteers in times of need is better prepared to face emergency situations.
Emergency system volunteers must be capable of communicating effectively under tense circumstances.............
RESOURCES
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A3.1 - Training in psiho-social education - CYPRUS
In October 2024, an intensive training course held in Cyprus brought together 35 volunteers from various regions, all actively involved in emergency response. The course aimed to provide participants with comprehensive training that included both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises to strengthen essential crisis management skills.
Training activities covered fundamental topics such as clear communication, effective team collaboration, stress management, and providing psycho-social support to those affected. The course emphasized realistic simulations, allowing volunteers to apply their knowledge practically and build confidence in their ability to act under pressure.
Through these applied exercises, volunteers tested their responses and collaboration skills, learning how to stay calm and communicate empathetically with both colleagues and those in need. This course thus represented not only an opportunity for personal development but also an important step toward building a well-prepared team capable of intervening effectively, contributing to community safety in critical moments.
COURSE SUPPORT
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IMPACT REPORT
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A3.2 - Training in psiho-social education - Romania
In September 2024, Romania hosted an intensive training course for 43 emergency response volunteers, ranging from beginners to those with moderate experience. The course focused on developing psychosocial skills and practical readiness for effective crisis intervention. Participants learned empathetic communication and emotional support skills, stress management techniques, and methods for staying calm under pressure. Activities included teamwork exercises to foster collaboration, trust-building, and constructive feedback—all essential for smooth intervention operations. Volunteers also enhanced their ability to accurately report critical information about patients and situations encountered. The course concluded with a realistic emergency simulation, allowing volunteers to apply all acquired skills, thus preparing them for real-life interventions in support of the community.
Impact of the Training Course for Emergency Response Volunteers
This training course has had a significant impact on the development of psychosocial skills, stress management abilities, and emergency response efficiency for the participating volunteers. Following the course, 87% of participants stated they would more frequently employ techniques for empathetic and active communication, recognizing the positive impact these have on relationships with both patients and colleagues. Sessions focused on breathing and relaxation techniques have enhanced stress management capacities, with 89% of volunteers now feeling better prepared for high-stress interventions.
Exercises on constructive feedback helped build team trust and cohesion, with 92% of participants expressing greater openness to collaboration and mutual feedback. Additionally, the importance of accuracy in reporting patient status and administered medications was emphasized, and 85% of volunteers now feel more competent in conveying information accurately.
The final simulation provided a realistic emergency intervention experience, with most volunteers indicating that it strengthened their confidence and adaptability in crisis situations. Finally, 90% of participants felt that this hands-on experience offered valuable preparation for real-life emergencies.
COURSE SUPPORT
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IMPACT REPORT
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A3.3 - Training in psiho-social education - Italy
In November 2024, a training course held in Italy aimed to strengthen intervention, communication, and psychosocial support skills among emergency response volunteers. The program was organized into five essential modules, each with a practical, hands-on approach to help volunteers manage stress and enhance effective teamwork.
In the first module, participants learned empathy techniques and active listening to provide effective emotional support in crisis situations. The second module focused on stress management and maintaining composure, while the third explored team collaboration through constructive feedback, strengthening group dynamics. Module four provided training on clear and precise reporting of critical patient information, using the SBAR technique, and the final module involved a realistic simulation that allowed volunteers to apply all the skills they had developed in a complex scenario.
The impact of the course was evident through notable results: 87% of participants enhanced their ability to provide psychosocial support, and 90% reported that relaxation techniques helped them manage stress in critical situations. Additionally, 88% of volunteers felt more prepared for effective team collaboration, while 85% gained confidence in their ability to report critical information accurately. The final simulation was considered essential for practical preparation, with 93% of volunteers affirming that it provided valuable experience for real-life interventions.
COURSE SUPPORT
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IMPACT REPORT
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Work package n°4 - Information campaigns and promotion of volunteering in providing first aid inemergency situations
A4.1 - Development of motivational flyers
As part of Work Package No. 4, "Information Campaigns and Promotion of Volunteering in First Aid for Emergency Situations," Activity A1 focused on creating motivational visual materials essential for raising awareness and encouraging community involvement. The main goal was to convey the message that volunteering in first aid is not just about saving lives—it is also an act of civic responsibility that enhances community safety and well-being.
Initially, the plan included designing 10 inspirational flyers. However, to maximize the campaign’s impact, partners developed an additional 6 leaflets. Each material was carefully crafted to highlight the benefits of volunteering, emphasizing the importance of prompt and appropriate intervention in emergencies, as well as the psychological and social support offered to those in need.
The messages within these materials were designed to inspire and encourage people to actively participate in training programs and volunteer activities, fostering a culture of safety and prevention. Distributed across various platforms and locations, these flyers and leaflets aimed to reach a broad audience, inform, and inspire, supporting the overall project objectives of improving emergency response capabilities.
Through this activity, the project successfully underscored the significance of volunteer work, demonstrating that every act of support can have a meaningful impact in strengthening the community’s safety network.
Flyers
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Leaflets
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Video Romania
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Video Italy
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Video Cyprus
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