Forumul Economic Regional Moldova – 2024
FERM 2024 | Message from the Chief Doctor of UPU-SMURD at Sf. Spiridon County Emergency Hospital Iași, Prof. Univ. Habil. Dr. Diana CIMPOEȘU
Health Panel
Module II – Emergency Medicine: Current Practice and Continuous Education, 18th Edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Vatra Dornei, 2024
SPEAKER – Prof. Univ. Habil. Dr. Diana CIMPOEȘU, Chief Medical Officer of UPU-SMURD at Sf. Spiridon County Emergency Hospital Iași
TOPIC: „Emergency medicine: between current practice and continuous education”
At the Health Panel, as part of the module “Emergency Medicine: Between Current Practice and Continuous Education,” Prof. Univ. Habil. Dr. Diana CIMPOEȘU, Chief Medical Officer of UPU-SMURD at Sf. Spiridon County Emergency Hospital Iași and SMURD Coordinator for the North-East Region, discussed the evolution and impact of the SMURD model. The topic of her speech was: „Emergency Medicine: Between Current Practice and Continuous Education.”
An integrated and efficient system
„We have developed a system over several decades, which began in the 90s. The SMURD model in Romania took shape in Târgu Mureș and then expanded to counties such as Bihor, Sibiu, Cluj, Timișoara, Craiova, Constanța, Iași, Hunedoara, Bucharest, and the entire country”, said Diana Cimpoeșu.
The SMURD system, based on collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, consists of the Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication, utilizing resources from the Emergency Situations Inspectorates and having a solid air base. This collaboration has been crucial in adapting and developing the system to meet Romania’s specific needs.
“This system is based on collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including the Mobile Emergency Service for Resuscitation and Extrication (SMURD)”, Diana Cimpoeșu explained.
Challenges and progress
Despite initial resistance, particularly from ambulance services and unions, the SMURD system was recognized as an integrated emergency model by 2006. Significant resources invested between 2007 and 2014 led to the establishment of the Department for Emergency Situations, which unified various emergency services under one entity.
„Initially met with resistance, our efforts led us to collaborate with firefighters, aligning with practices from many other European countries”, Dr. Cimpoeșu remarked.
Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The SMURD model proved its effectiveness particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, managing a significant number of patients and responding promptly to emergency needs. With approximately 4.5 million patients annually, of which 25% require hospitalization, the complexity and importance of the system are evident.
„The emergency system differs significantly from other medical departments due to the constant need for organization and rapid response to various emergency situations”, emphasized Dr. Cimpoeșu.
International recognition and professional training
Emergency medicine in Romania has been recognized by the European Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM) and other international organizations for its quality and performance. Students and residents benefit from intensive practical training, learning from active professionals in the field.
„The European Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM) and international scientific and professional organizations have praised emergency medicine in Romania for its quality and performance”, Diana Cimpoeșu stated.
Preparedness for crisis situations
The emergency system in Romania is prepared to handle various crisis scenarios, from natural disasters and conflicts to major industrial accidents. Preparing the population and intervention teams is essential for effective management of the consequences of any adverse events.
„Preparing a system to handle the consequences of conflicts, natural disasters, climate change, and man-made disasters is nearly identical”, Dr. Cimpoeșu explained.
The evolution of Romania’s emergency system has been marked by years of dedication and collaboration, setting an example for other European systems. By adopting the best international practices, Romania has succeeded in creating a robust and efficient system ready to meet the needs of modern society.
„Our development and evolution in the emergency system in Romania have been marked by years of dedication and collaboration. We have managed to establish a robust emergency system that meets the current needs of Romanian society”, concluded Dr. Cimpoeșu.