Summer and Winter School
Pediatric Disaster Health: A Global Transdisciplinary Approach

Scholarship may be available (will be announced by June).

The program is a collaboration between Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU) and university hospital Salzburg (SALK).

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Pediatric Disaster Health: A Global Transdisciplinary Approach is an intensive five-day international program co-hosted by university hospital Salzburg departments of pediatrics and orthopedics, designed to advance the emerging field of pediatric disaster medicine and disaster health.

Children represent one of the most vulnerable populations during disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies, yet disaster systems are often designed primarily for adults. This program addresses that gap by bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, emergency responders, public health leaders, and disaster management experts to develop the knowledge, skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration necessary to protect children in crisis situations.

Through expert lectures, case studies, hands-on skills, and simulation-based learning, participants will explore the unique physiological, psychological, logistical, and ethical challenges associated with caring for pediatric populations during disasters. The program integrates perspectives from clinical medicine, prehospital care, public health, humanitarian response, and disaster management, reflecting a transdisciplinary approach to disaster health.

Participants will gain practical tools for disaster preparedness, mass-casualty management, pediatric triage, mental health support, and health system coordination in complex emergencies. The course also emphasizes global frameworks and best practices from organizations such as WHO, the EU, NATO, and international disaster response networks.

The program aims to build a new cohorte of professionals capable of strengthening disaster resilience and improving outcomes for children in emergencies worldwide.
 

PREREQUISITE FOR PARTICIPATION

Multi-sectoral health professionals involved in disaster preparedness and response, including pediatricians, emergency medicine physicians, nurses, paramedics, administrators, researchers, industry and disaster management experts.
 

COURSE DETAILS

Course language is English. The course will be held from Monday, August 10 2026 (9.00 a.m.) to Friday, August 14, 2026 (5.30 p.m.) at university hospital Salzburg (SALK), Salzburg, Austria. Salzburg is a highly attractive city and can be reached easily by plane, train, and car. 

Capacity: 40 participants

Certification: All participants will receive a certificate of completion. Professionals can apply for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, and Student participants will receive 3 ECTS.

July 31,2026: 1st Virtual session

August 10 - 14: Program (on site)

August 21: 2nd Virtual session

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the principles of pediatric disaster medicine and the unique vulnerabilities of children in disasters and complex emergencies.
    
2. Apply pediatric-specific triage and clinical management strategies during mass casualty incidents and disaster settings.
    
3. Integrate pediatric considerations into disaster preparedness planning, including incident command systems, emergency operations centers, and health system coordination.
    
4. Recognize and address the psychosocial and developmental impacts of disasters on children, including mental health support and family reunification.
    
5. Identify major disaster hazards affecting pediatric populations, including chemical, biological, radiological, and infectious disease threats.
    
6. Analyze real-world disaster case studies to identify operational challenges, ethical considerations, and lessons learned.
    
7. Apply principles of quality improvement, human factors, and interdisciplinary collaboration to strengthen pediatric disaster preparedness and response systems.

KEY BENEFITS FOR SPONSORS

Visibility and Global Recognition: Align your brand with cutting-edge education and international collaboration in disaster medicine.

Impactful Contribution: Support a program that builds pediatric healthcare capacity for disaster preparedness, risk reduction and response, a critical need in today’s world.

Networking Opportunities: Engage with leading experts and institutions in the field of pediatrics and disaster medicine.

This course awards 3 ECTS and follows a BIP-style format. Students can therefore apply for Erasmus+ funding at their home institutions for a blended short-term mobility. The PMU can also sign an Erasmus+ bilateral agreement if required by the student's home university. University staff can also apply for an Erasmus+ grant for staff training. For information about the grant application, applicants should contact their respective home university.  

See the program in detail here.

There are many hotels near our campus, down below are some options:

• IMLAUER Hotel: https://imlauer.com/ (15 min. walk)
• das Salz: https://dassalz.com/  (6 min. walk)
• Motel One: https://www.motel-one.com/de/hotels/salzburg/hotel-salzburg-mirabell/ (10 min. walk)
• Riverside Hotel: https://mynext.at/de/riverside-hotel-salzburg/ (4 min. walk)
• Hotel Lehenerhof: Hotel Lehenerhof - Hotel Lehenerhof (8 min. walk)

Hostel options:

• Yoho International Youth Hostel Salzburg: https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/735/yoho-international-youth-hostel-salzburg/  (20 min. walk)
• MEININGER Salzburg City Center: https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/47668/meininger-salzburg-city-center/ (20 min by bus)
• a&o Salzburg Hauptbahnhof: https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/265957/a-and-o-salzburg-hauptbahnhof/ (20 min. walk)
• myNext - Riverside Hotel Salzburg: https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/p/88157/mynext-riverside-hotel-salzburg/ (5 min. walk)

These external providers are not affiliated with the PMU; thus the PMU does not take responsibility for their actions.

Contact

international.office[at]pmu.ac.at