Clinical Practice in Emergency Healthcare

This placement is offered to highly motivated students who seek a structured experience within the system of public healthcare in Italy. The Italian healthcare system has consistently ranked in the top categories worldwide (#2 in 2020 according to the WHO) for its equal access to medical care and health statistics, in particular overall life expectancy. Organizations such as the Italian Red Cross, Misericordia, and ANPAS support the public system through volunteer work for essential services. For example, in the region of Tuscany, all services involving the rescue and transportation of emergency patients are conducted by volunteers of the aforementioned associations. Student involvement in practice hours is an opportunity to actively engage within the local community and culture in connection to a healthcare perspective achieved through ongoing tasks and clinical observations within a public healthcare context alongside licensedS professionals and experienced volunteers.

This practice is composed of hours in EMT observations for ambulance unit dispatches, where students participate in emergency ambulance dispatches to observe EMTs on duty. The practice inserts students in a professional context, under the direct supervision and monitoring of a licensed doctor or nurse. This course features unsalaried shifts ranging from Monday to Friday, although some organizations may require weekend hours. The practice lasts for a minimum of 150 hours which may include a preparatory training course. Hours also include research and projects such as classroom activities and writing assignments. Placements will vary depending on the student's language and professional skills.