About the ModEx visit

On June 09 2023, the Italian READY4Disaster partner had the chance to visit the “ModEx Arcevia 2023”, the European Civil Defense exercise simulating different disaster scenarios involving the activation of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). This time, the goal was to test the response capacity of the Red Cross teams involved (Romania, Austria, Israel, Sweden, Norway and Germany), and eventually share best practices in case of future emergencies at European level with a special focus on disaster medicine (https://www.eu-modex.eu/exercises#h.nvpn7f23bdgj).


This was a valuable experience for the project development which is currently focusing on the creation of the course training modules. Specifically, the ModEx was the perfect chance to discuss with local and international volunteers and experts about Module 8 – The European Civil Protection Mechanism. The Italian team was happy to ask about aims, tasks and responsibilities of this international coordination mechanism in disaster management with the support of two PhD students of the Marche Polytechnic University specialized in Environmental Risk and Civil Protection.

As explained by the local and international experts during the visit, there were an average of about 150 simulators per day, hundreds of simulated medical cases, 70 experts in a control room, 3 medical modules (Emergency Medical Team - EMT) each consisting of a field structure, medical materials and medical and logistic personnel (40/50 units).

This year simulation was set in 'Modulistan', a fictitious disaster-stricken country (earthquake magnitude 7.2.). Following the whole procedure, after verification of the actual impact of the disaster, Modulistan requested assistance from the European Union. The ERCC (Emergency Response Coordination Centre) activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism and sent different teams from the European Union (Romania, Germany, Austria, Andorra and experts from other countries such as Spain, France, Holland and Turkey). Different scenarios were held in the area related to disaster management in a pandemic situation with local fake-injured people, search and rescue interventions involving firefight.

This procedure and implications in (simulated) disaster management will inspire the READY4disaster training material and case studies and will help developing competences and sub-competence which have been gathered in the READY4Disaster Competence map for volunteers.

Follow us on Instagram and join our Facebook group to have more updated on the READY4Disaster project!