Empowering Primary Healthcare Professionals with Life-Saving Skills in Albania
Albania, a nation vulnerable to natural and man-made hazards, faces challenges such as a shortage of healthcare professionals and gaps in emergency preparedness. Recognizing this, the SOLIDAR project supported the development of an accredited training curriculum tailored to the needs of doctors and nurses working in 24/7 health centers and municipal hospitals. The training program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, covering essential topics like cardiac arrest response, airway management, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), as well as numerous real-life situations that require specific first aid skills.
In a significant step toward strengthening emergency response capabilities, the “SOLIDAR – Together in Health Emergencies” project has successfully rolled out comprehensive Basic Life Support (BLS) and First Aid training sessions across Albania. This initiative is supported by the consortium between the Albanian Society of Emergency Medicine (ASEM) and the Institute of Health, Social Policy and Research Development (IHSPRD). These trainings aim to equip primary healthcare professionals with critical skills in basic life support and first aid, ensuring they are prepared to address medical emergencies effectively.
During the first year of implementation, 12 training sessions were conducted, reaching a total of 193 healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses. Participants reported a significant boost in their confidence and skills, particularly in providing CPR and managing other medical and health emergencies. Moreover, the program’s sustainability is ensured through Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions, which are planned to start in the second year of implementation of the project to empower selected healthcare professionals to cascade these vital skills to their peers and community members.
This initiative not only enhances emergency medical services in Albania but also underscores the importance of capacity building in healthcare. With plans to expand the training and incorporate additional emergency management tools, the SOLIDAR project continues to contribute to a more resilient and prepared healthcare system.
For more information, please see the chronical broadcasted on Report TV on the training in Vora in September 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyCWAwe_fVQ&feature=youtu.be.
