A Look at Research - Interview with Charles-Antoine Wanecq

Presentation, Literary encounter Culture, Publishing and distribution, School life, Promotion
9, December 2026Saint-Martin-d'Hères - University Campus
Anne Madeline Goulet
Come listen to an interview with Charles-Antoine Wanecq, who will discuss his book *Sauver: A History of Emergency Rescue in France*

Meeting Research

Series of talks at the UFR ARSH library—1st semester, 26–27

> Wednesday, December 9, 2026 – 4:00 p.m. – UFR ARSH Library
Interview with Charles-Antoine Wanecq, assistant professor of contemporary history, who will present his book "Sauver. A History of Emergency Medical Services in France”

Hemorrhage, loss of consciousness, suffocation: these life-threatening emergencies were not always perceived as a societal problem requiring a specific organizational structure.
The response to these emergencies gradually took shape over the course ofthe 20th century, shaped by medical innovations, political events, and social transformations. While emergency care was central to the activities of the Armed Forces Health Service as early as 1914–1918, it was not until the 1950s—in response to the nuclear threat and the rapid rise in traffic fatalities—that a policy orchestrated by the Ministry of Health was dedicated to it. It was not until the final decades ofthe 20th century that hospital emergency departments and the SAMU (Mobile Emergency Medical Service) established themselves as essential components of the French healthcare system.
Charles-Antoine Wanecq sheds light on the military challenges, community dynamics, administrative battles, and technical and medical expertise that shaped the scholarly and institutional development of the concept of life-threatening emergencies. His analysis sheds light on debates surrounding a democratic question: How can we ensure that all individuals have an equal chance of being saved?

Published on October 1, 2026
Updated on October 1, 2026