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In the heart of France, amid picturesque landscapes and bustling cities, lies a group of unsung heroes. Meet Alain, a 31-year-old SAMU dispatcher with a six-year background in emergency response. He is not just a dispatcher but also a volunteer rescuer and a TECC instructor. Alongside his dedicated team, they have established the BEAR-N Academy, a training center specializing in Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) and other essential lifesaving techniques.
A Fateful Childhood Memory
Alain's journey into the world of emergency response began with a vivid childhood memory - a 12-year-old boy's winter mishap during a snowball fight in Quebec City. A nasty fall led to a fractured wrist just a day before he was set to return to France. What made this seemingly unfortunate incident unforgettable was the night ride in a Canadian ambulance, its flashing blue lights slicing through the wintry streets of Quebec City. The experience left an indelible mark on his young mind and ignited the spark of curiosity and fascination that would later steer him toward a career in emergency services.
The Beauty of Unpredictability: A Rescuer's Everyday
In the world of emergency response, no two days are alike. Every day presents a unique challenge, testing their skills and mettle. He recalls an unforgettable experience - a harrowing call about a childbirth in the remote mountains. Over the phone, he guided English citizens through the process, coordinating GPS locations and summoning a mountain rescue unit. The call culminated with a helicopter landing with a doctor, bringing a new life into the world. The joy of seeing that baby in the hospital the next day reflected their shared success - a testament to the impact of their work.
Alain remarked, “It was so grateful to see the baby next day at the hospital with their parents going well and to see their smile on their face ! Only a ‘Thank you’ or a smile is a gesture of having succeeded.“
Every emergency and rescue worker is driven by specific motivations. For Alain, it was the sobering wake-up call of terrorist attacks on French soil. These events stirred a shared sense of obligation among citizens and first responders alike. Alain felt compelled to leverage his abilities in a meaningful way, further fueling his commitment to emergency services.
A Glimpse into BEAR-N Academy: Where Training Saves Lives
BEAR-N Academy is the manifestation of a shared vision – to enhance the safety of their community. Their overarching goal is to provide uniform, top-notch training for all emergency professionals, instilling in each learner the ability to save lives with effectiveness and confidence. Their motivation is rooted in the fulfillment of sharing their valuable skills and knowledge, firmly believing in their capacity to effect positive change.
Offering an extensive range of training courses, BEAR-N Academy's curriculum includes TECC, Stop the Bleed, K-9 first aid, animal rescue, and mountain first aid. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to practical, hands-on experience, ensuring that learners not only grasp theoretical knowledge but also can readily apply it.
The backbone of BEAR-N Academy is its all-volunteer team, each member contributing their unique skills and expertise to the organization. Alain, the treasurer, partners with Julie, who not only serves as the president but is also a TECC instructor on her way to becoming an anesthesiologist. Marine, a college teacher, excels in animal behavior and veterinary assistance, while Valérie, a pediatric nurse and childminder instructor, boasts a remarkable background as the founder of the Pediatric SAMU in Paris. Bertrand, an emergency nurse with a specialty in hospital reanimation and mountain rescue, brings invaluable insights, and Tehau, a French army paramedic trained in ballistic and strategic techniques for TECC courses, adds a unique perspective.
Together, this dedicated team tirelessly upholds BEAR-N Academy's mission, endeavoring to equip professionals with the skills required to save lives, ultimately contributing to a safer world. Their diverse backgrounds and unwavering commitment solidify their status as a formidable force in the field of emergency response training.
“ Whether they are from the EMS, the fire brigade, police team, mountain rescue, volunteer first aider, etc… we have to purpose the same quality during our trainings. “
Alain and his dedicated team at BEAR-N Academy prioritize the creation of an immersive and true-to-life learning experience. Their ingenious method involves the use of a pork leg, where a strategically placed hole is employed to simulate blood circulation, teaching students the art of wound-packing with materials like gauze. This hands-on approach not only imparts technical knowledge but also forges a deep, visceral connection as students directly experience the sensation of working on real flesh.
Looking to the Future, the BEAR-N Academy has embarked on a mission to save lives through its training programs. While the organization anticipates sharing remarkable success stories next year, they are already immensely proud of their continuous efforts to make a difference.
A significant goal on their horizon is the establishment of partnerships with local police teams and extraction units in 2024. Additionally, they are actively working on a "train the trainer" program for TECC courses and to find funds to invest in a simulation manikin. These ambitions reflect their dedication to both expanding their reach and enhancing the quality of their training programs.
Teaming Up with Rhino Rescue Products
Alain expressed that BEAR-N Academy is delighted to partner with Rhino Rescue Products. Their commitment to quality and reliability aligns perfectly with the academy's mission. Rhino Rescue bags, IFACs, and consumables are rigorously tested in the field, ensuring students receive the best training.
Alain imparts invaluable advice to individuals aspiring to make a mark in the field of emergency response and life-saving. His first counsel is to be profoundly motivated, as this profession demands unwavering commitment and dedication. The second piece of advice emphasizes the significance of building a network of trustworthy and professional connections. In this close-knit community, knowing the right people and establishing a strong support system can be instrumental in achieving success and making a difference.