From 22 to 26 June 2026, a group of five Fire University cadets participated in an Erasmus+ training mobility at the Escola Nacional de Bombeiros (ENB), the main training institution for Portuguese fire and rescue services. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, gain practical experience and learn about the Portuguese firefighter training system.
On the first day, the cadets were introduced to the structure of the Portuguese fire service and the integrated training system delivered by ENB. In the afternoon, they visited the São Pedro de Sintra Fire and Rescue Station, where they gained insight into the organisation and daily work of Portuguese firefighters.
The second day focused on modern technologies and specialised rescue operations. The participants explored a virtual reality (VR) training simulator and observed a command-level training course dedicated to hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents and other complex emergency response scenarios.
The third day was devoted to the Portuguese emergency medical response system. One of the highlights was observing the mandatory medical recertification process, which Portuguese firefighters complete every five years. The cadets also learned about trauma care procedures and compared the medical equipment used in Portugal with that employed by the Polish State Fire Service.
During the following days, the participants continued observing training courses and visited the ENB training ground, where they became familiar with the facilities used to prepare Portuguese firefighters for operational service.
The mobility provided an excellent opportunity to compare firefighter training systems and operational practices in Poland and Portugal. The knowledge and experience gained during the visit will undoubtedly contribute to the cadets' further education and future professional careers.
