The first EURO Sub-Regional Emergency Medical Teams Coordination Cell (EMTCC) Training Course was held in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 5 to 10 November 2023.

The training was organized through a joint effort of ASB Georgia and the World Health Organization (WHO), in close cooperation with the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia.

The main objective of the course was to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical skills in Emergency Medical Team (EMT) coordination methodology, supporting a coordinated national response to health emergencies and disasters. The training focused on integrating EMT coordination within national health emergency operations centers and incident management systems, while reinforcing national leadership in emergency response.

Another key goal of the course was to expand the pool of trained personnel in the region who could be deployed to support Emergency Medical Teams Coordination Cells (EMTCCs) during large-scale emergency response operations that may require national and international EMT support.

Participants engaged in practical exercises and simulation activities, allowing them to apply coordination mechanisms and operational procedures in realistic emergency scenarios. These exercises helped strengthen participants’ capacity to support the functions, responsibilities, and core activities of EMTCCs during different phases of emergency response operations.

The training brought together representatives from several institutions and organizations, including:
• Ministries of Health from Georgia and Armenia
• National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC)
• Ministries of Internal Affairs of Georgia and Armenia
• Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) from Georgia and Armenia
• WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO EURO)
• EMT EURO
• Representatives from Ukraine
• Regional and national Red Cross organizations

This initiative contributed to strengthening regional cooperation, coordination capacities, and preparedness for cross-border health emergencies, supporting the development of emergency response systems aligned with international EMT standards.

Through this training program, Georgian EMT members strengthened their skills and preparedness to support national and international emergency response efforts, contributing to the continued development of EMT capacities aligned with international standards.