A training for intensive care doctors and nurses: the European project with Prof. Cecconi from Humanitas University

The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) has launched “C19_SPACE“, a new multimedia course funded by the European Union, to prepare healthcare professionals who do not regularly work in intensive care and provide them with new skills. Physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals who don’t usually work in Intensive Care Units (ICU) will be trained so that they will be ready for the next surge of COVID-19.

«We cannot be unprepared twice» warns Maurizio Cecconi, Professor of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Vice President of MEDTEC School at Humanitas University, Head of the Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Department at Humanitas Research Hospital in Milan, and President Elect of ESICM.

During the first days of the crisis Prof. Cecconi and other Italian colleagues spread a crucial message to the whole world: «Get Ready». The first wave of Coronavirus in Europe caused the oversaturation of many ICUs across Europe and the world. Such a situation should not happen again. That’s why the “C19_SPACE” training will equip healthcare professionals with the necessary basic skills to help intensive care teams in European hospitals.

The multimedia course will be based on training pathways developed for both physicians and nurses, specifically tailored for them, so that they will be ready to take care of patients and be prepared for future crises.

«This EU-wide training offers clear added value to all EU Member States, as an accredited, certified programme» say Prof. Cecconi and Prof. Jozef Kesecioglu, Full Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at the Department of Intensive Care Medicine at the University Medical Center in Utrecht and President of ESICM. «We now know what awaits us and we are working together for the containment of the virus and to provide the best care to European citizens. With this training we can get ready together for the next crisis».