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KnowEMS Webinar Highlights Civil-Military Cooperation in Emergency Medical

By project KnowEMS staffPublished on

The KnowEMS initiative, co-funded by the European Commission, convened a webinar to explore civil-military cooperation in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The session gathered experts from six countries — Germany, Romania, Israel, Portugal, Spain, and France — to share best practices and lessons learned in integrating military and civilian resources for emergency response.

Why Civil-Military Integration Matters

The discussion underscored the growing importance of interoperability between military and civilian emergency systems, particularly in times of crisis. From pandemics to natural disasters, military assets have proven vital in supplementing civilian EMS capabilities through logistics, medical support, and rapid deployment.

Romania: A Model of Integrated Response

Romania presented its Department for Emergency Situations, which unites fire rescue, medical emergencies, mountain rescue, and air rescue under the Ministry of Interior.
Key highlights:

  • Legal Framework: Government Decision 557 enables military support across most risk categories.
  • Pandemic Response: National Coordination Center operated continuously for two years with military integration.
  • Field Hospitals: Four deployed nationwide, two with intensive care capacity.
  • International Logistics: Three NATO C-17 missions to South Korea for protective equipment.
  • Mass Casualty & Refugee Response: Rapid evacuation of burn victims and construction of 13 refugee transition centers within 36 hours during the Ukrainian crisis.

Spain: Volunteer Reservists and Rapid Deployment

Spain showcased its dual-role integration system, featuring:

  • Volunteer Reservist Program: 3,000 reservists, including 600 medical professionals.
  • Military Emergency Unit (UME): Established after catastrophic forest fires, now WHO-accredited for urban search and rescue.
  • Air Force Medical Evacuation Unit (UMAER): Deploys within two hours for highly contagious patient transport.
  • COVID-19 Operations: Operation BALMIS mobilized military resources for disinfection, field hospitals, and ambulance services during severe weather.

Germany: Coordination Challenges in a Federal System

Germany’s federal structure, with 16 states, creates complex coordination challenges.
Key points:

  • Military Hospital Integration: Five hospitals embedded in regional EMS systems.
  • Personnel Shortages: Armed Forces face a deficit of 80,000 soldiers.
  • Disaster Response: During the Ahrtal floods, military provided helicopters, heavy equipment, and aerial reconnaissance.

Cross-National Lessons

Speakers agreed on several best practices:

  • Daily Operational Integration: Most effective for disaster preparedness.
  • Joint Training Programs: Enhance interoperability and trust.
  • Legal Frameworks: Essential for rapid deployment and clear authority.
  • Resource Complementarity: Military logistics strengthen civilian medical capacity during mass casualty events.

Key Message 

Civil-military cooperation is no longer optional—it is a strategic necessity for resilient emergency medical systems. By harmonizing legal frameworks, fostering joint training, and leveraging complementary resources, European EMS organizations can deliver faster, safer, and more coordinated responses to crises.