2024-10-28 17:05:00
Forensic medicine nurses have decided to unite by creating the French-speaking Society of Legal Medicine Nurses (SFIML) to discuss their profession and promote it. Their first conference was held on September 20, in Lorient, city of the president of the SFIML, Maëlle Guyomard, forensic nurse at the Scorff hospital.
In a portrait dedicated to him the Ouest-France newspaper, Maëlle Guyomard emphasizes that her daily life and that of her colleagues – there are around a hundred of them working within medico-judicial units (UMJ) – is not punctuated by corpses, but by patients who are alive and well. “ In front of us, they are not patients, but victims. Our specialty is not at all known and yet our role is essential. So, every day, we see women, men and children who share the same thing in common: being victims. It could be an assault, a rape or a banal dog bite… We are the ones who are responsible for welcoming the victims, removing the barriers and preparing them for the examination with the forensic doctor« .
The SFIML pursues numerous goals:
– promote the profession of forensic medicine nurse to health professionals and students;
– encourage the development of the role of nurses in forensic medicine services;
– facilitate exchanges between forensic medicine services and different partners to improve patient care;
– organize events bringing together stakeholders interested in forensic medicine;
– strengthen cohesion between forensic nurses and help them enrich their practices, while respecting people’s rights;
– encourage the sharing of knowledge and resources in line with developments in society.
During this first conference, Maëlle Guyomard highlighted in a post on Linkedin « having had a memorable day. This event brought together 61 participants from all over France including Reunion, Dax, Mayotte, Paris, Brest, Toulon, Cergy, Bondy, Nancy and many others. This day was a promising success which marks a decisive turning point in the evolution of our profession, thanks to rich and inspiring exchanges. We also have the ambition to collaborate closely with the French Society of Legal Medicine. We wish to build the foundations for the development of this still emerging specialty, together« .
The rest of the SFIML Office is made up of:
– Ms. Diot, nurse at the Hôtel de Dieu, vice-president.
– Mr. Hadjab who works in Mayotte, secretary.
– Ms. Larqué who works at the UMJ in Toulon, treasurer.
– Ms. Corvé working at the Brest UMJ, responsible for communications.
1730151795
#Forensic #medicine #nurses #unite
**Interview with Maëlle Guyomard, President of the French-speaking Society of Legal Medicine Nurses (SFIML)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Maëlle. Congratulations on the launch of the French-speaking Society of Legal Medicine Nurses. What inspired you and your colleagues to create this organization?
**Maëlle Guyomard:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration really came from a shared need within our community. Forensic medicine nursing is not widely recognized, and we felt it was crucial to have a platform where we could come together, discuss our challenges, and share our experiences. We wanted a space to promote our role and raise awareness about the vital support we provide to victims.
**Editor:** You mentioned in your article that your daily work involves caring for living victims rather than dealing with deceased individuals. Can you elaborate on the nature of your work?
**Maëlle Guyomard:** Absolutely. Many people think of forensic nurses as those who only work with bodies. In reality, we are the first point of contact for victims of various crimes, including assault and domestic violence. We help them navigate the medical and legal systems, providing care and comfort in what is often a traumatic time. Our goal is to create a safe environment where victims feel supported and understood.
**Editor:** What are some key goals of the SFIML moving forward?
**Maëlle Guyomard:** We have several objectives, including enhancing professional training for forensic nurses, improving public awareness of our services, and fostering collaboration with other medical and legal professionals. We also aim to advocate for the rights and needs of victims within the healthcare system. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring that victims receive the compassionate, competent care they deserve.
**Editor:** Your first conference in Lorient seems to have been a significant event. What were some highlights from that gathering?
**Maëlle Guyomard:** Yes, it was a fantastic start! We had various presentations on topics such as the latest practices in forensic nursing and the psychological impacts of trauma on victims. It was also an opportunity for networking, allowing us to connect with other professionals and share resources. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and it reinforced the importance of having a united voice in our field.
**Editor:** Lastly, how can the public best support the work of SFIML and forensic medicine nurses?
**Maëlle Guyomard:** Simply put, awareness is key. Understanding what we do and advocating for the importance of forensic nursing can make a significant difference. Additionally, supporting initiatives that promote victim rights and access to healthcare can help create a more supportive environment for those in need. We appreciate any effort to shine a light on our work and the experiences of victims.
**Editor:** Thank you, Maëlle, for sharing your insights and shedding light on this critical area of healthcare and victim support.
**Maëlle Guyomard:** Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to discuss the important work we do.
**Interview with Maëlle Guyomard, President of the French-speaking Society of Legal Medicine Nurses (SFIML)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Maëlle. Congratulations on the launch of the French-speaking Society of Legal Medicine Nurses. What inspired you and your colleagues to create this organization?
**Maëlle Guyomard:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration really stemmed from a shared need within our community. Forensic medicine nursing is not widely recognized, and we felt it was crucial to have a platform where we could come together, discuss our challenges, and share our experiences. We wanted a space to promote our role and raise awareness about the vital support we provide to victims.
**Editor:** You mentioned in your article that your daily work involves caring for living victims rather than dealing with deceased individuals. Can you elaborate on the nature of your work?
**Maëlle Guyomard:** Absolutely. Many people think of forensic nurses as those who only engage with bodies. In reality, we are the first point of contact for victims of various crimes, including assault and domestic violence. We help them navigate the medical and legal systems, providing care and comfort during a often traumatic time. Our goal is to create a safe environment where victims feel supported and understood.
**Editor:** What are some key goals of the SFIML moving forward?
**Maëlle Guyomard:** We have several objectives, including enhancing professional training for forensic nurses, improving public awareness of our services, and fostering collaboration with other medical and legal professionals. Additionally, we aim to advocate for the rights and needs of victims within the healthcare system. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring that victims receive the compassionate, competent care they deserve.
**Editor:** It sounds like a transformative journey for both the profession and the victims you serve. How was the reception at your first conference, and what were some highlights?
**Maëlle Guyomard:** The reception was incredibly positive! We had 61 participants from various regions of France, which was very encouraging. The day was filled with rich discussions and inspiring exchanges. It’s clear that there is a strong desire among us to develop our specialty further and collaborate closely with the French Society of Legal Medicine. This marks a decisive turning point in the evolution of our profession.
**Editor:** Thank you, Maëlle, for your insightful perspectives and efforts to elevate forensic nursing in France. We wish you and the SFIML all the best in your endeavors!
**Maëlle Guyomard:** Thank you! I appreciate your support and am excited about the future of our profession.
