EMERGENCIES IN THE PRACTICE OF MEDICAL DISPATCHING IN POLAND. CHALLENGES IN THE COOPERATION OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL TEAMS WITH MEDICAL DISPATCHERS

Abstract

The article presents the organization of The State Emergency Medical System in Poland in terms of the operation of the medical dispensaries. Particular attention was paid to the cooperation of medical dispatch centers with Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) in the realities and circumstances of unexpected events. Areas requiring increased attention during an emergency involving medical dispensary systems have been highlighted. Incidents involving, in particular, various types of unavailability of ICT systems are included. These situations make it necessary to change the daily way of working. Due to the differences in professional practice that apply to those who perform their tasks within the framework of medical rescue teams and medical dispatchers, such circumstances may cause a discrepancy in the understanding of the above-mentioned issue. Given the current tense geopolitical situation and the military conflict beyond Poland's eastern border, special attention should be paid to the possibility of destabilizing the ICT domain in terms of the country's internal security systems. Active local exercises, but also those covering larger areas of the country, will allow to verify the current ways of doing things, the availability of emergency kits and alternative solutions. Above all, however, this will be the only opportunity to learn from non-harmful contingencies that will enable the smooth operation of Poland's prehospital healthcare system during the challenges ahead.