Jordanian-Israeli Academic Emergency Medicine Project Emergency Medicine Department Faculty of Health Sciences

Department of Emergency Medicine An pioneer academic department established in 1997 Goal: train highly qualified paramedics One of only a few such programs worldwide. Works in close collaboration with Israel’s national EMS (Magen David Adom).

The academic program Three year program. First year: Basic sciences + EMT-B. Second year: Theoretical clinical studies Extensive simulation lab hands-on teaching. Third year: Hospital & EMS clinical clerkships. Graduates awarded: B-EMT degree from Ben-Gurion University Paramedic professional certificate – MDA & Ministry of Health

The collaborative initiative Planning started 18 month ago The initiators: Prof. Jim Torczyner, University of McGill the Rector of the Ben-Gurion University the President of the Jordanian Red Crescent. Initial goal: Integrating students from Jordan in the program, as a basis for regional cooperation in dealing with emergencies

The initial need Jordan has recently (4 years) started a non University degree paramedic training program. Lack of academic degree prevents recognition of paramedics by the Jordanian MOH & impedes further development of Jordanian EMS. A university degree education improves candidate selection, professional knowledge, R&D capabilities and professional recognition.

Aims To collaborate in building a university degree program in Emergency Medicine in Jordan. To use the program to promote sharing of knowledge and resources. To help improve regional disaster planning, disaster response, disaster & emergency medicine research. To contribute to peace-building and improve understanding between healthcare providers, academic personnel & institutions in Jordan and Israel.

Building EMS regional collaboration All Mediterranean countries are at risk from various hazards The EMS are responsible for emergency response, to minimize morbidity & mortality There are significant differences between the EMS operations of Mediterranean countries There is no structured process for regional EMS coordination and in particular there are no protocols to achieve this goal.

The Project A three year BGU Academic Paramedic Training Program for Jordanian students, as a stepping stone for increased cooperation & coordination Establishment of bi-annual regional conferences for key EMS personnel and other stakeholders from Jordan and Israel. Development of a framework for an integrated EMS system, to provide a coordinated response for mutual medical emergency threats.

Coordination of Operations Regional cooperation is the key to saving lives

Stakeholders Ministries of Foreign Affairs Ministries of Health Jordanian Civil Defense Jordanian Ambulance Service Israeli MDA European Commission NGOs Ministries of foreign Affairs Ministries of Health Jordanian Civil Defense Jordanian Ambulance Service Israeli MDA European Commission NGOs Jordanian Red Crescent

Funding The project was designed to be fully funded: Students’ tuition, housing, living & travel expenses will be covered by the program. A highly competitive grant under the “partnership for peace” program was awarded by the EU. The Israeli MFA has contributed funding to the program, viewing it as its major regional peace building project.

Why invest? Humanitarian: Contribute to improve healthcare to the people of the region. Israel: Contribute to peace building and understanding in the region. Israel: Help improve regional collaboration in medical emergencies. EMS education: promote international acceptance for university degree paramedic training, to foster professionalism, research & dissemination of knowledge. BGU: to serve as a regional and worldwide academic authority & set up a permanent international program in Emergency Medicine.

Thank you!!!!!!