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SAUV Life Association - France

Mobile Telemedicine Units for Ukrainian refugees in France

In order to help Ukrainian refugees in France concerning their healthcare, the association provides a Mobile Telemedicine Unit (UMT). The UMT is available 7 days a week in the Ukrainian refugee center at Porte de Versailles in Paris.

The arrival of Ukrainian refugees in France

Between February 24th and April 5th, 2022, more than 40,000 displaced Ukrainians were counted at the border. In the Paris region, these people are welcomed in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, Porte de Versailles.

A large majority of these refugees are women and children, who have traveled for several days, crossing several countries, by different means of transportation. This journey may have been tiring and may have caused health problems.

Organizing patient care

The objective of SAUV Life is to care for refugees but also to ensure the continuity of their care and treatment.

The program is starting in the Paris region and could be extended to the national level if necessary.

Telemedicine units

The SAUV Life team dedicated to Ukrainian refugees is based in Paris Expo. It is accompanied by volunteer translators and is available to listen to refugees 7 days a week from 10am to 10pm. The team can be requested by the SAMU in case of need, and if it is the case SAUV Life goes to the patient by telemedicine vehicle.   
A consultation is provided by a doctor via a teleconsultation carried out in partnership with the medical platform of teleconsultation, Bealy. A volunteer from the association trained in teleconsultation and a translator are present with the patient.
The teleconsultation is provided with a case equipped with connected objects:

  • Stethoscope
  • Otoscope
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Ultrasound
  • Camera

Prescriptions are prescribed by the teleconsultant doctor, printed by the Mobile Unit team. Members of the refugee center's associations assist the patients to pick up the medicines from the pharmacies.
The UMT vehicle can also be mobilized by the SAMU (with the support of Professor CARLI, member of the Foundation's Board of Directors).

The Air Liquide Foundation’s contribution

The Foundation's endowment covers the cost of financing a new case, consumables, gasoline and vehicle maintenance. In addition, the Foundation contributes to the payment of medical consultations since Ukrainian refugees do not benefit from the European social security coverage.

Testimonial

"The service that has been established and the equipment invested by SAUV Life since 2020 is now being used for Ukrainian refugees. The advantage of this service model is the rapid mobilization which will allow in all cases to help people in need, regardless of the nature of the emergency."

Dmitriy Chalenko, ALTEC Digital domain manager, ALSA