Hygeia Public Health 2019, 54(2): 114-122pl

Analysis of the usage of emergency services system units in Poland over the 2010-2014 period

Ewelina Janczewska ^1/, Agata Adamczyk ^2/, Zenon Truszewski ^1/, Janusz Trzebicki ^2/

1/ Zakład Medycyny Ratunkowej, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny
2/ I Klinika Anestezjologii i Intensywnej Terapii, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny

Summary
Introduction. Nowadays, emergency medicine is one of the most important elements of the healthcare system. In 2007 an Emergency Medical Services System was introduced in Poland; its mission focuses on providing healthcare services to people in a life- or health-threatening condition.
Aim. Assessment of the extent of usage of the Emergency Medical Services System (EMSS) units: hospital emergency departments (EDs) and emergency medical teams (EMTs) over the 2010-2014 period.
Material and methods. Analyzed materials included summary reports and data provided by the Central Statistical Office, the Mazovian Province Office and Polish Medical Air Rescue (HEMS). In order to compare the differences in the extent of usage of emergency medical services, three regions were included in the study: Poland as a whole, the Mazovian Province and the city of Warsaw.
Results. In Poland in 2010 EMTs provided medical aid to 7855 patients a day, and in 2014 to 8532 patients daily (an increase of 8.6%). In the Mazovian Province and in Warsaw the increase was 10% and 13.9%, respectively. The percentage of the elderly (65+) in this group increased by 16% in Poland. HEMS completed from 18 (2010) to 24 (2011, 2014) rescue missions daily. The number of patients in EDs increased by 7.9% in the whole country, by 30.4% in the Mazovian Province, and by 46.9% in Warsaw.
Conclusion. The demand for emergency medical services is constantly increasing, and therefore modernization of the EMSS is essential. The assessment of the data regarding the HEMS indicates its rational usage in life-threatening conditions, in which the factor of time is crucial for the results of treatment.

Key words:  emergency medical services, emergency medicine, emergency conditions, healthcare system