2025 Regional First Aid Competitions: the commitment of the Italian Red Cross – Lombardy Region in Chiavenna
It was a vibrant and well-attended event, where 13 Italian Red Cross teams (each made up of 7 volunteers) rotated through ten realistic first aid scenarios, including a simulated major emergency. Staged in various parts of the historic town centre, the scenarios drew the attention of tourists and local residents alike.
The streets of the historic town centre turned red, not only due to the summer sun, but also thanks to the energy and passion of over 400 volunteers from across Lombardy: on Saturday 14 June, the town of Chiavenna hosted the 30th edition of the Regional First Aid Competitions, organised by the Italian Red Cross – Lombardy Regional Committee and coordinated by the Local Morbegno Chapter.
Each team operated with minimal equipment to simulate realistic conditions far removed from the resources of a fully equipped ambulance.
The event offered a chance not only to test technical skills but also to highlight the teamwork, clarity, and humanitarian values that distinguish every Red Cross volunteer.
An event that encompasses community, training and the local territory
The competitions officially began following an opening ceremony in the Council Chamber of the Municipality of Chiavenna, attended by Mayor Luca Della Bitta, Councillor Daniele Ciapponi, and an official delegation from the Italian Red Cross led by Regional President Maurizio Bonomi, accompanied by Enrico Muttoni, President of the Morbegno Red Cross, and Simone Ronchetti, Regional Health Delegate.
The Mayor expressed sincere gratitude for the choice of Chiavenna as the host city for the 2025 edition, emphasising that such events represent “a perfect combination of training, solidarity and the promotion of the region.”
Councillor Ciapponi, himself a former CRI volunteer, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the initiative’s unifying nature: “These competitions are a point of connection between institutions, citizens and volunteers. A real opportunity to strengthen what brings us together.”
Victory in Gallarate: enthusiasm, humility and team spirit are the ingredients for success
The team from the Gallarate Chapter claimed first place and will go on to represent Lombardy at the National Competitions, scheduled to be held in Sicily in September.
Trained by volunteer Nadia De Pra, the team stood out for its cohesion, preparedness and spirit of service. The reaction from local representatives perfectly captured the essence of the day: “Smiles won, humility won, and the desire to be a team rather than individuals won.”
Dispotech's presence alongside the operators
Throughout the day, Dispotech was present with an information point in the central square of the Town Hall, taking part as a partner by providing participants with first aid products and, more importantly, offering active and engaging support to those working on the front lines every day.
The event gave the company a valuable opportunity to hear directly about the needs of operators in the field.
It was a unique opportunity for a manufacturing company like Dispotech, which typically operates in a business-to-business context.
“The event marked a key milestone in our journey of community engagement, continuing our long-standing commitment to supporting healthcare, associations and institutions,” said Emanuele Mortarotti, General Manager of Dispotech Srl
A day to remember
The 2025 Regional First Aid Competitions were not merely a contest: they were a celebration of the everyday dedication of hundreds of volunteers, showcasing professionalism, passion and selflessness.
It was a day in which Chiavenna welcomed and honoured that spirit, strengthening ties between citizens, institutions and the Italian Red Cross.
Lombardy has its champion. But the true victory lies with those who choose to show up every day. On the front lines. With courage, skill, and dedication.