Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in Emergencies and Catastrophes

The Master's Program in Emergencies and Catastrophes is designed to provide specialized training for professionals in the field of emergency response and catastrophe management. The program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to respond effectively to emergency situations and catastrophes.

Objectives of the Program

The objectives of the program are:

• To form professionals in the field of emergency response and catastrophe management who can provide high-quality care to patients in emergency situations.
• To base interventions on available evidence.
• To deepen and update knowledge in the valuation and treatment of patients in critical situations through practical exercises and case studies.
• To participate actively with the multidisciplinary team, contributing expertise in the area of emergency response and catastrophe management.
• To apply triage to patients in emergency situations and catastrophes.
• To determine the priority of attention based on physical and psychosocial needs and factors that influence patient flow and demand.

Structure of the Studies

The program has a duration of 60 ECTS, structured into 1 academic year. The plan of studies is designed according to the Royal Decree 822/2021, of September 28, which establishes the organization of university teachings and the procedure for ensuring their quality.

Distribution of Subjects by Semester

The program is divided into two semesters:

Semester 1 (30 ECTS)

• Organization, Legislation, Management, and Ethics in Emergency Care (4 ECTS)
• Methodology of Applied Research (6 ECTS)
• Respiratory, Circulatory, Nervous, and Other Emergencies (4 ECTS)
• Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques (3 ECTS)
• Basic and Advanced Neonatal, Pediatric, and Adult Life Support (3 ECTS)
• Initial Management of the Polytraumatized Patient (3 ECTS)
• Obstetric-Gynecological, Neonatal, and Pediatric Emergencies (4 ECTS)
• General Principles and Typology of Rescue (3 ECTS)

Semester 2 (30 ECTS)

• Communication and Help Relationship Skills in Emergencies (3 ECTS)
• Catastrophes and Multiple Victim Incidents (6 ECTS)
• General Principles in Helicopter Missions for Emergency Services (3 ECTS)
• External Academic Practices in SAMU (8 ECTS)
• Master's Thesis (10 ECTS)

Characteristics of the Program

The program has several distinctive features:

• A transdisciplinary team of professors, all of whom are experts and highly trained in emergency response.
• Professors from the University of Alicante who are developing research in the field of emergencies and catastrophes and will support students in their Master's Thesis projects.
• The use of a student-centered teaching-learning methodology, including high-fidelity clinical simulation, which allows students to acquire the competencies necessary to form part of high-performance transdisciplinary teams in emergency response.
• Intensive training in technical diagnostic and therapeutic skills, such as intubation, thoracic drainage, intraosseous access, ultrasound, and defibrillation, as well as the acquisition of coordination, leadership, and communication skills among team members.

Resources and Facilities

The Master's Program in Emergencies and Catastrophes has the infrastructure offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Alicante, as well as other spaces and facilities of the university, such as areas for simulating multiple victim attention. The program also has access to the facilities of the San Vicente del Raspeig fire station (descent tower and vehicles) for the extrication workshop.

Continuing Education

After completing the Master's program, it is possible to opt for a doctoral program or third cycle of university studies, related to the Master's degree or in related areas.

Professional Outcomes

The Master's degree is designed to cover the need for specialization of health professionals who attend to citizens in emergency situations, both in hospitals and pre-hospital settings. It enables a approach between theory and practice and research in different contexts where the action of the transdisciplinary health team is necessary for patient care.

Scholarships and Aid

Information on existing means to facilitate access to university study for those who wish to undertake it can be found on the University of Alicante's website.

University Life

More information about the campus and activities or resources, organized by or related to the University of Alicante, can be found on the university's website.