A Step Forward in Preparedness

In a significant boost to national emergency preparedness, France has integrated EpiShuttle into its network with the support of the Ministry of Health (Direction Générale de la Santé, DGS), along with the French national network for operational coordination of epidemic and biological risk (Mission Nationale COREB) and the national emergency medical service (SAMU). Together, they form the backbone of France’s readiness for biological and epidemic risks.

These EpiShuttle units, strategically located across the country, are now a cornerstone of France’s approach to managing high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs), poisonings, and radiological incidents.

Seamless Integration of the EpiShuttle – Training as a key asset

Effective implementation of new technologies isn’t just about acquiring the equipment —it is about ensuring its effective use and seamless integration in the existing systems. That’s where our EpiTraining program played a crucial role in supporting Mission Nationale COREB’s efforts to align their preparedness strategy nationwide. Through a series of tailored sessions conducted in French by experienced trainers, professionals from across the country gained essential knowledge in transport planning, system adaptation, and EpiShuttle strategy.

The program also included a Train-the-Trainer initiative, empowering local experts to independently conduct further training and exercises within their organizations. This ensures a sustainable, long-term approach to maintaining readiness across institutions.

As follow-up to the training initiatives, Mission COREB and SAMU teams carried out their first EpiShuttle exercise in October 2024. This was a transfer simulation exercise of a patient with a Group IV infectious disease from Henri-Mondor Hospital to Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital in Paris. The teams refined their protocols, ensuring every step—from initial containment to final patient reception—was seamless.

As Hélène Coignard, emergency physician at COREB, noted:

“EpiTraining has been instrumental in helping us implement the EpiShuttle across various hospitals in France. Thanks to the creation of in-house experts through EpiGuard training, we have now developed EpiShuttle Standard Procedures and have the capacity to lead training and exercises independently.” 

Hélène Coignard, Emergency physician, COREB, AP-HP

Why the EpiShuttle?

France chose the EpiShuttle because it offers unparalleled patient isolation and biocontainment capabilities, while ensuring interoperability across its existing healthcare network.

However, achieving success with EpiShuttle implementation requires more than just technical and functional quality, it needs to be backed up by expertise and confidence on the users’ side. France is setting the standard by prioritizing knowledge and expertise building, empowering its EpiShuttle users through a thorough training strategy, supported by EpiGuard. The success of this approach is backed by several years of conducting EpiTraining and a proven track record of more than a thousand successful patient transports.

The Road Ahead

EpiShuttle is now firmly established in France’s preparedness system with regular training and exercises, making France at the forefront of crisis response in Europe. 

This partnership underscores the power of collaboration in building safer and more efficient healthcare systems, where innovation and preparedness go hand in hand.