When every minute matters, efficiency is everything. In Ostrołęka, doctors knew that despite their experience and commitment, time remained their greatest enemy. Patients transported from the helipad to the Hospital Emergency Department often arrived too late – a few minutes could mean the difference between life and death.
Across the border, in Lviv, doctors faced a different challenge – the lack of modern medical equipment, including an angiograph, which would allow for quick diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Two different situations were united by a common need – to help faster and more effectively, regardless of borders.
The EMERGENCY project was initiated by medical teams from Ostrołęka and Lviv, who recognized similar challenges and the potential for cooperation. The goal was to find solutions that would improve response times and the quality of treatment.
In Ostrołęka, a modern helicopter landing pad is being built directly above the Emergency Department – with quick access to an elevator and a connecting corridor leading straight into the ward. Thanks to this, a patient will be transferred from the helicopter to the operating room in just a few dozen seconds.
On the Ukrainian side, a state-of-the-art angiograph will be purchased, enabling doctors at the Lviv Clinical Hospital to perform precise vascular diagnostics and life-saving procedures.
At the same time, both hospitals will introduce standardized medical procedures, and numerous trainings and workshops will enhance the readiness of medical staff to respond to crisis situations. An integral part of the project is also an educational campaign aimed at young people, doctors, and paramedics, promoting knowledge about first aid and the importance of quick reaction in emergencies.
From the very beginning, the project has been focused on people. They are its true strength. Doctors, paramedics, nurses, engineers, and administrative staff on both sides of the border have joined forces with one goal – to save lives. Polish specialists from Ostrołęka share their expertise in stroke treatment using thrombectomy, while their Ukrainian partners teach how to operate under the extreme conditions of war – under time pressure and in chaos. The rapidly changing reality requires flexibility and determination, but as project participants emphasize:
Born out of the need for faster assistance, the EMERGENCY project has evolved into lasting cooperation. The greatest reward for the team is the knowledge that, thanks to this partnership, many lives will be saved – and the experience gained through the project will serve for years to come.