Italian health initiatives: rescue simulation in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and pet therapy program in Brescia

On 27 June 2026 a multi‑agency rescue exercise was held in Lucinico, Friuli‑Venezia Giulia. Organized by Croce Verde Goriziana, the drill involved local fire brigades, municipal civil‑protection units, K9 teams from the Isontina K9 Rescue group, surface‑search dogs, a drone squad from MPV Muggia and the Red Cross. Among the scenarios was a simulated victim with Addison’s disease; a bloodhound named Ciba located the person, responders applied an emergency hydrocortisone kit and a medical team was dispatched.

Separately, the Fondazione Poliambulanza in Brescia launched a three‑year pet‑therapy project for children and families. Supported by the Associazione 6 Luglio and delivered by the Zampa con Me team, the initiative places trained dogs in paediatric wards, the pediatric emergency department and the Cidaf counselling centre to reduce anxiety, improve patient‑staff interaction and complement existing medical care.