Promoting prevention: The role of the European Center for Disaster Medicine in Heart Health Week
Heart Health Week returns to San Marino from 25 to 29 September
From 25 to 29 September, the Heart Health Week returns to San Marino, emphasising the prevention of heart disease. This eventful week includes conferences, courses and meetings, all aimed at raising awareness of cardiovascular diseases and equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to a cardiac arrest. Leading these efforts is the Social Security Institute, with significant contributions from the Cardiology Unit, the Emergency Department and the Anaesthesia and Resuscitation Unit. This collaboration also involves the San Marino Society of Cardiology, the Heart-Life Association, the European Centre for Disaster Medicine, the Civil Defence and various sponsors.
The initiative gains further significance with the approval of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Health Authority. Coinciding with the World Heart Day on 29 September, observed worldwide by the World Heart Federation, the initiative recalls the sad statistics on cardiovascular diseases, which cause 20.5 million deaths a year. The ultimate goal is to significantly reduce this alarming number. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 80 per cent of premature deaths can be prevented through small lifestyle changes, solid preventive measures and early intervention in the event of cardiac arrest.
Heart Health Week includes a series of engaging events. Starting on Monday 25 September. At the State Hospital, an extensive programme of cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses for first responders will be organised. All 9th grade students from local secondary schools will undergo training sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. At the same time, 10th-12th grade high school students will participate in certified Basic Life Support and Defibrillation (BLSD) courses in the afternoons. In addition, the European Centre for Disaster Medicine will conduct BLSD and IRC retraining courses, involving law enforcement and Civil Defence personnel from Monday to Thursday.
On 27 September, the Cardiology outpatient clinic will offer specialist consultations for perimenopausal women.
On Thursday 28 September, at 6.30 p.m., the public conference 'Women's Heart' will be held at the Sala Montelupo in Domagnano. The conference will explore the complexity of cardiovascular diseases in women and the significant differences in prevention, diagnosis and treatment between genders.
On the morning of 29 September, the nursing team of the Cardiology Unit will host informative and educational meetings for the population interested in the use of the new oral anticoagulant drugs (NOACs).
To conclude the Heart Health Week, on the afternoon of Friday 29 September, at 4.30 p.m., the Heart-Life Association, in collaboration with La Genga, will organise the traditional 'Health Walk' open to all.
A Course to Prepare Young Students to Become True Heroes
On September 28th and 29th, 2023, the European Centre for Disaster Medicine opened its doors to high school seniors, offering them a special course in Basic Life Support and Defibrillation. The students learned essential knowledge and techniques to handle emergency situations and save human lives.
Delivered by qualified experts, the Course taught students cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques and the safe use of automated external defibrillators. The students successfully passed their BLSD certification exam, ready to become heroes in their community.
The European Centre for Disaster Medicine is committed to continuing to prepare the next generation of responsible citizens, ready to face the challenges of the future.
