LAUSR

and training curricula. Methods: Extensive literature review, quantitative data analysis of the feedback of 50 trainees (medical professionals (55%), paramedics (25%), social scientists (20%)) in two phases, before and after their participation in the simulation exercises; and qualitative analysis of 2 focus group discussions composed by facilitators and 7 expert external evaluators. Results: Expressed concerns and challenges before the simulation exercises were afterwards, characterized as acquired skills and knowledge (increased awareness regarding disaster preparedness, enhancement of non-technical skills such as decision-making, communication, conflict resolution, teamwork and coordination among stakeholders, improvement of technical skills such as identification of critically patients and triage). Furthermore, all parties involved in the study recognized the following innovating elements: -the involvement of public medical professionals, and civil protection officers and their direct interaction with the trainees, -the active contribution of trainees in the simulation scenarios design (ie roles allocation independently their professional background) -the use of fully functional public spaces as training locations for the simulation exercises (hospitals, airport, port, hotels). Overall, participants described feeling more prepared and confident for disaster response compared to prior the training. Conclusion: Learning by doing, facilitating cross-sectoral and transdisciplinary collaboration, transposing real events into educational processes, enabling actual challenges, are proposed as a remedy to the apparent disconnect between theory and methodology used in disaster preparedness drilling.