Emergency medical service through the centuries — the Polish perspective

Abstract

Gradually progressing civilizational development and the creation of advanced forms of social organization
affected the number and scope of potential threats to which societies were subject. Thus, these threats
have led to the organization of medical rescue systems that are capable of providing effective assistance
in the event of a sudden threat to life and health.

The first organized forms of providing medical assistance in emergencies date back to antiquity and should
be sought in military organizations and warfare. In turn, medieval religious communities are considered to be
the prototype of organized medical assistance provided to the sick and injured. However, it was only at the
end of the 19th century that emergency services were created, the organization and operation of which are
still evolving, adequately to social expectations resulting from the scope of potential threats.