Climate change in Europe is increasingly marked by severe impacts, particularly in the form of extreme weather events and forest fires. In the face of natural disasters, emergency responders (firefighters, search and rescue teams, and support personnel) are pivotal. Their efficiency hinges on various factors, including preparedness, equipment, and coordination. ENSURE project specifically addresses these aspects with a focus on upskilling and enhancing the resilience and innovation capacities of such emergency responders. The ENSURE consortium, comprised of 20 partners from 9 countries and 11 associated partners employs a modified Quadruple Helix Innovation Model focusing on Technology, Cooperation, Human Resilience, and Community Engagement, aimed at upskilling emergency responders with new technologies and collaborative practices. The project aims to address the increasing challenges of climate change, such as forest fires, floods, and extreme weather phenomena. The overall goal is to systematically upgrade the skills set of the firefighter target group based on the ESCO 5411.1 profile, incorporating new competencies into their professional profile and proposing the addition of 4 new sub-profiles to ESCO: Disaster Response Technologist (DRT), International Disaster Response Coordinator (IDRC), Community Resilience and Engagement Officer (CREO) and Mental Health and Resilience Trainer for Emergency Services (MHRTES). The ENSURE methodology applies a holistic Capacity Building Intervention applying a bundle of interconnected actions including self-paced open courses, virtual mentoring, mobility and ToT workshops. The ENSURE Game uses Experiential Learning Cycle combined with Game-Based Learning to ensure practical application and continuous professional development of the target group.
Systematic skill upgrade
Enhance emergency responders’ existing professional competencies aligned with the ESCO 5411.1 profile (firefighters and related emergency services personnel).
Development of new professional competencies
Introduce advanced skills required to effectively respond to climate-driven disasters such as forest fires, floods, and extreme weather phenomena.
Creation and Proposal of New ESCO Sub-Profiles
Disaster Response Technologist (DRT): Specialist in applying innovative technologies for effective disaster response.
International Disaster Response Coordinator (IDRC): Professional skilled in international coordination of emergency response efforts.
Community Resilience and Engagement Officer (CREO): Expert facilitating community-level preparedness and resilience.
Mental Health and Resilience Trainer for Emergency Services (MHRTES): Specialist focusing on mental health support and resilience training for emergency personnel.
Implementation of a Comprehensive Capacity Building Intervention
Provide a holistic educational model including self-paced open courses, virtual mentoring, mobility opportunities, and dedicated Train-the-Trainer (ToT) workshops.
Introduction of Gamified Experiential Learning
Develop and implement the ENSURE Game, an interactive tool combining experiential learning with gamification principles to promote continuous professional development and practical skill application.
Throughout its duration, the ENSURE project is expected to achieve significant milestones:
Establishment of Innovative Training Frameworks
Successful integration of gamified and experiential learning techniques into emergency responder training programs, notably through the ENSURE Game.
Adoption of New Professional Profiles Across Europe
Official recognition and integration of newly proposed ESCO profiles (DRT, IDRC, CREO, MHRTES) into European vocational education and training systems.
Creation of Robust Digital Learning Infrastructure
Launch and widespread utilization of a comprehensive digital platform, offering virtual learning environments, self-paced courses, and Open Education Resources.
Development of a European Community of Practice
Effective establishment of a pan-European collaborative network fostering regular exchanges, continuous learning, and innovative partnerships among stakeholders.
Enhanced Capacity of Emergency Responders
Documented improvement in response efficiency, preparedness levels, and resilience among targeted emergency responder groups, validated through feedback, case studies, and formal assessments.
ENSURE is designed to deliver meaningful and sustainable impacts at multiple levels:
Improved Disaster Response Capabilities
Emergency responders across Europe will exhibit enhanced skills, enabling quicker, more efficient, and safer responses to climate-driven disasters.
Strengthened Resilience to Climate Change
Communities and emergency services will demonstrate improved resilience and preparedness for the challenges posed by extreme weather events.
Increased Innovation and Technological Integration
Adoption of advanced technologies and innovative practices in disaster management, strengthening Europe’s overall disaster response framework.
Wider Recognition of Emerging Professional Profiles
New professional roles proposed by ENSURE will be widely acknowledged and integrated into national and European occupational standards, significantly influencing vocational training and employment practices in disaster response.
Long-term Sustainability through Community Engagement
Sustainable improvements in disaster preparedness and resilience fostered by ongoing engagement and collaboration among communities, professionals, and policymakers.