The European Innovation Academy places the utmost importance on the safety and well-being of all participants. This safety protocol is designed to provide a comprehensive and clear framework to ensure a secure experience for all involved. It incorporates essential guidelines, emergency procedures, and safety measures tailored to various aspects of the EIA program. All participants are urged to familiarize themselves with these protocols and adhere strictly to ensure a collective safe environment conducive to learning, cultural immersion, and personal development.

1. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Before your journey begins, secure comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip disruptions, and personal belongings. Your policy should include:

Medical Coverage: For hospital visits, medications, and procedures.

Trip Interruption: Protects against canceled flights and lost luggage.

Repatriation: In case of severe medical emergencies or repatriation of remains.

Legal Assistance: If legal support is needed during your stay.

Carry proof of insurance and ensure access to a 24/7 emergency assistance number provided by your insurer.

EIA holds no responsibility for the costs related to any insurance matters.

2. Emergency Contact Information and Procedures

Emergency Number (medical, fire, police): 112

If you have an emergency in Portugal, dial 112 for immediate assistance.

Use the emergency number 112 only in genuine emergencies when there is a real threat to life, health, safety, or property.

 For EIA-specific emergencies, contact our dedicated team members:

Contacting the Participant's Emergency Contacts

During incidents or health and safety emergencies, EIA will contact the accompanying faculty member or, in their absence, the student's university contact, which may initiate contact with the participant’s emergency contacts.

Emergency Assembly Points

In large-scale emergencies affecting the physical safety, please gather in the following places:

Primary: FEP Courtyard (Main Venue)
R. Dr. Roberto Frias 464, Porto, Portugal
41°10'33.2"N 8°35'58.1"W

Secondary: LIV PORTO CAMPUS STREET (Accommodation):,
Rua Alberto Malafaya Baptista 171, Porto, Portugal
41°10'57.8"N 8°36'38.0"W

Alternative: Porto Welcome Center
Praça de Almeida Garrett 27, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal
41°08'44.3"N 8°36'40.0"W

3. Health and Medical Emergencies

If a student with a health emergency has active insurance, we advise them to choose a private hospital as the waiting time may be shorter. However, any foreign person who feels sick or needs health care can be assisted in a public health center or hospital. Below is a list of public and private hospitals in the Porto area.

Hospitals

São João University Hospital Center (Public)
Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
T: + 351 22 551 2100

Hospital Santa Maria - Porto (Public)
Rua de Camões 906, 4049-025 Porto, Portugal
T: + 351 22 508 2000

Hospital Lusíadas Porto (Private)
Av. da Boavista 171, 4050-115 Porto, Portugal
T: + 351 22 605 6450

Hospital CUF Porto (Private)
Estr. da Circunvalação 14341, 4100-180 Porto, Portugal
T: + 351 22 003 9000 

In Portugal, the National Health Service provides public healthcare: dial 808 24 24 24 and choose option 9.

4. General Health Guidelines

Basic Precautions: Maintain good hygiene, cover coughs and sneezes, and consider wearing a mask in crowded places if you're feeling ill.

Feeling Unwell?:

• Isolate yourself to prevent spreading the illness.
• Inform EIA staff and your teammates.
• Seek Advice from a healthcare professional:
  • Portuguese Healthline on 808 24 24 24 and choose option 9 for non-Portuguese speakers.
  • To access medical services, reach out to the contacts listed here.

Medications: Keep essential medications and a basic first-aid kit handy. Know where the nearest pharmacy is.

Insurance: Have your insurance information ready and contact them if you need medical care.

5. Mental Health Care

Life Coaches: EIA offers dedicated life coaches to support participants' mental health needs. Do not hesitate to reach out for assistance.

Local Services: 

SOS VOZ AMIGA
Opening hours - Daily from 3:30 pm to 12:30 pm | +351 21 354 45 45 

CONVERSA AMIGA
Opening hours - Daily from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm | +351 21 002 71 59

HOSPITAL LUSIADAS PORTO
Av. da Boavista 171, 4050-115 Porto
+351 22 605 6450

6. Accommodation Safety Protocol

If a student stays at LIV accommodation, please find the safety regulations here.

7. Venue Emergency Plan

Find the venue emergency plans here.

8. Safe Transportation Practices

Porto is considered a safe city for visitors. However, it is still advisable to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety and well-being.

Trust Official Information and Tickets: Purchase metro tickets from authorized sources. Follow official announcements and guidelines regarding ticket validation and fare requirements.

Vigilance on Public Transport: Stay alert to avoid pickpocketing and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.

Night Travel: Use well-lit and busy stations or consider using transportation options like taxis or ridesharing services for added security. Consider traveling in groups or using trusted transportation services after dark.

9. Reporting Theft, Robbery, and Aggravated Assault

In the unfortunate event of theft, robbery, or aggravated assault, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure your safety and report the incident. 

For emergencies requiring urgent assistance, contact the national emergency number 112.

For non-emergency situations, you can present your complaint or file a crime report with the appropriate authorities:

• Public Prosecution Service (Ministério Público, MP) +351 22 551 35 10
• Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária, PJ) +351 22 558 20 00
• Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública, PSP) +351 21 844 45 30
• National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana, GNR) +351 22 339 96 00 

10. Cultural Orientation and Conduct

At EIA, we prioritize creating a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. We strongly condemn any acts or indications of abuse, racism, discrimination, or violations of human rights, whether in the physical or virtual world.

Conduct Standards: EIA has a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of aggression, abuse, harassment, or discrimination. Please read the Code of Conduct here.

Respect and Integration: Engage respectfully with local customs and traditions.

Alcohol Usage: Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited on site during the EIA program's working hours. 

Drug Usage: The use, possession, distribution, or manufacture of illicit drugs or controlled substances is strictly prohibited at any EIA event. 

Personal Belongings: Participants are responsible for keeping their personal belongings safe throughout the program.
In the unfortunate event of losing an item on public transport in Portugal, please contact the relevant transport company, such as CP, for items lost on a train at +351 21 805 06 53.

Reporting and Accountability: If any participant experiences or witnesses any incidents harmful to themselves or others, they must immediately inform the EIA Team.

11. Independent Activities

Risk Awareness: Assess the safety of independent activities. Choose reputable providers and communicate your plans with a trusted person.

Personal Responsibility: Your safety during free time is your responsibility. Always prioritize your well-being.

12. Liability

EIA ensures safety within program-related activities and venues. Participants are responsible for their safety during personal time and independent activities.

13. Conclusion

The safety protocol developed is part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and enriching experience for all EIA participants. We encourage open communication and feedback to continually enhance our safety measures. Stay informed, stay safe, and let's work together towards a memorable and productive time at EIA.

Effective from: March 2024