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In support of a strategy originally conceptualized by the Director of the Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre, Dr. Szilard Rendeki, the “Community Outreach Emergency Medicine Initiative” ushers lifesaving skills to rural portions of Hungary, short on doctors and First Responders. This summer’s rollout was strategically extended to local students who were encouraged at their high schools to attend a summer workshop specifically customized to this age group regarding emergency response.

Written by Jon Marquette

It marks the first time a summer lifesaving camp was organized at the Faculty of General Medicine of the University of Pécs, hosted by the Medical Skills Education and Innovation Centre.

When asked why Course Instructor Vivien Vincze eagerly accepted the assignment in support of teaching Summer Lifesaving Measures Boot Camp, she replied, “It was a good opportunity for the students to spend their time during the summer to learn something new. 

Additionally, I want to promote and acknowledge the effort of healthcare professionals. Last but not least, in full accordance to the Hartford Consensus, it is very important to teach civilians lifesaving techniques, since they can manage a medical emergency during the time in which an ambulance is in transit.”

The three-week event occurred in one-week rotations at the newly renovated and expanded Medical Skills Lab, beginning on 26 June and running through 5 August 2023. 

The idea of the Lifesaving Summer Camp was an initiative offered to us by our Director, Dr. Rendeki, and we happily accepted this ‘mission.’ All of us Course Instructors love teaching and sharing our wisdom among others knowing from experience all these techniques will be very useful and crucial if they ever find themselves in such a challenging situation,” commented Course Instructor Patrik Varnagy.

Patrik added, “If one individual’s life will one day be saved thanks to our summer camp, then I say the effort in doing so was entirely worth it. For me the most exciting moment was meeting our students on their first day. 

They arrive to our MediSkills Lab with very limited knowledge regarding lifesaving measures. Fast forward to our fifth day, in which they solve complex medical emergency exercises including chest wounds, bleeding control and seizures.

“I think teenagers and younger individuals hunger for knowledge and easily become familiar with new things, which they have never formerly encountered. Once you gain their trust, they happily follow your path,” Patrik weighed in.

Patrik added, “We talked with all the students in which several were finishing middle school and some already embraced the vision of studying to one day become a doctor. Most importantly, not all of our participants dreamt about their futures as a doctor yet wish to establish their careers in the realm of health care, as in the case of a nurse or paramedic officer.” 

When asked if Patrik thought the summer program proved successful, he commented, “It was far more successful than I originally thought possible. 

If I had to highlight one characteristic which identifies the success of the summer program, it is without a doubt our students’ morale and enthusiasm, which was indeed high. 

The kids freely asked questions, easily interacting with us Course instructors and across the board, all of our students were champions in the art of demonstrating their willingness to run through the drills and procedures. It was a phenomenal three weeks.” 

The summer camp included 21 participants and was scheduled Monday to Friday, 0900 – 1300 hours. The program was conceived to accommodate a maximum 36 students per session in which the minimum enrollment was eight.

“There were several students who shared with us Course Instructors they want to study medicine, which is why they attended our summer camp,” Vivien remarked.

The event was open to high school students in grades 9-12 who are interested in lifesaving and want to gain effective, hands-on practical skills.

During the one-week program, students attended lectures, performed practical lifesaving exercises and were assured insight into simulation training, as in supporting the responsibilities of a real lifeguard - Medic (Rural Lifeguard, Highway Patrol Lifeguard, Police Medic and Combat Medic). Topics included victim/patient transfer, hemorrhage control, respiratory management and airway obstruction, resuscitation, thermos protection, cumat control, and how to notify a hospital for emergency help.

“Although I’m not a doctor, I can put the knowledge I acquired this week to practice, if need be. I tend to be real good in stressful situations so I’ll think I’ll be fine if I’m needed to administer first aid,” remarked Johanna, one of the high school students.

“Our course instructors were all very good, knowledgeable and talked with us. It didn’t feel like a lecture and was more like a discussion,” Johanna stated, adding, “I loved the interactive medical scenarios on both the mannequins and our Course Instructors, posing as a simulated patient. Dramatic, yes, but cool.”

All participants responded to the program’s survey, which was the last scheduled event. Survey results are high.  In the area of organization, the high schoolers rated the Course Instructors 5/5 and Course Instructors’ knowledge also ranked at 5/5. The participants emphasized, the most interesting subjects were bleeding control and wound dressing. 

Medical scenarios, which were entirely new to the high schoolers, included transferring their patients, the application of the Israeli bandage, O-MARCHE protocols, the HAINES method and the effective use of medical litters. 

Interestingly, the participants shared their recommendations, which includes adding more medical scenarios to the program. “The MediSkills array of specialized equipment and contemporary medical simulators ensured the summer camp experience was very successful. 

Although a majority of the subject matter was new to them, they genuinely found it very interesting,” Vivien remarked.

Following each course, high school students in attendance were presented a Certificate of Completion and encouraged to keep in contact with the MediSkills Lab through its varied student mentors. 

Sources: Fruzsina Abuczki, Executive Administrator and Péter Szűcs, Management Consultant.