Faculty of Health Studies launches Erasmus+ BIP “HELP” programme with international online session

The international Erasmus+ programme “Healthcare Excellence in Lifesaving Practice – HELP” officially began with an introductory online session organised by the Faculty of Health Studies at the Catholic University of Croatia. The first meeting brought together 26 participants from Croatia, Poland and Slovenia, who will work together throughout the programme to develop their knowledge and practical skills in emergency medical care.

HELP is implemented within the framework of Erasmus+ KA131 activities as a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), combining virtual learning with a practical in-person component. The programme focuses on the management of emergency conditions and resuscitation procedures, and participants who successfully complete all requirements will be awarded 3 ECTS credits.

The session was opened by Associate Professor Ivica Matić, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Health Studies and Programme Coordinator, who welcomed the participants and introduced the Catholic University of Croatia and the Faculty of Health Studies, while also encouraging further collaboration through other Erasmus+ initiatives.

One of the key topics of the introductory session was a comparison of emergency medical service systems in Croatia, Poland and Slovenia. The Croatian system was presented by Saša Balija, Deputy Director of the Croatian Institute of Emergency Medicine, while Rafał Śledziński and Przemysław Wołoszyn from Poland, together with Lucija Matić from Slovenia, introduced the organisation and key features of their respective national systems. Through these presentations, participants gained insight into the structure of emergency medical services, the number and distribution of emergency teams, emergency department organisation, and the implementation of helicopter emergency medical services.

Following the presentations, participants worked in international groups to analyse and compare the different models, exchange examples of good practice, and discuss their respective strengths and challenges. Particular attention was given to healthcare accessibility, resource management, triage systems, and the importance of aligning professional training with real clinical demands. Alongside the professional and organisational aspects of emergency medicine, the session also highlighted its human dimension. Participants emphasised that regardless of the structure of healthcare systems or available technologies, patient dignity must remain at the centre of all emergency care. This topic will be explored further during the programme’s second virtual component.

The programme will continue with an intensive practical week in Šibenik from 28 June to 4 July 2026. Participants will take part in simulations, practical workshops, study visits and field-based activities, providing an opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge in realistic scenarios while further strengthening the international cooperation that the HELP programme has successfully fostered for the second consecutive year.