This is a new advancement for the General Council of Alpes-Maritimes and the French Football Federation (FFF). In an operation funded by the regional government, the department’s firefighters have trained about twenty young referees in first aid. Whether it’s the emergency medical services or the firefighters, help is rarely present on the fields of amateur football, although their presence is often crucial in case of accidents. “These referees become a little more responsible,” emphasizes Eric Ciotti. “They are now capable of handling situations, whether it’s an emergency or not,” adds Eric Borghini, President of the Côte d’Azur District of the FFF.
For a month, this group of referees has undergone intensive training for two hours a week in Nice and Cannes. The referees received only practical training: “We used only the mannequin, intensively. Now, we are ready,” simply states Camille Héron, a young holder of the diploma, who is now responsible for the safety of everyone on the fields.
600 defibrillators in the Alpes-Maritimes
This measure is part of the public health prevention policy developed by the CG06. It contributes particularly to the financing of life-saving skills training for all individuals not engaged in salaried activities: young people from 15 to 25 years old, retirees, job seekers, and homemakers. These trainings can be provided by all accredited organizations and are subsidized at the rate of 60 euros. Some organizations offer a short 2-hour training, costing 15 euros, to learn how to use the defibrillators.
The General Council is installing defibrillators in highly frequented public places and sports sites, as well as in the towns of the upper and middle country, away from rescue centers. In 2009, the department will be one of the best equipped in France with nearly 600 devices available.
