Polish Medical Air Rescue: Nearly 12,000 operations in 2023

2023 witnessed an unprecedented level of activity for the dedicated crews of Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe – the Polish Medical Air Rescue (LPR).

Clocking an impressive 11,935 missions across the past year, the LPR helicopters became the lifeline for many in critical situations.

A Glimpse into the Numbers

In the heart of their operations, LPR helicopters facilitated the transportation of 7,396 patients throughout the year.

It’s crucial to recognize that the impact of their services reached beyond this number, extending assistance to a total of 9,412 individuals, including 1,324 children.

A Closer Look at Mission Breakdown

Unsurprisingly, traffic accidents emerged as the leading cause of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) calls, accounting for 1,951 flights.

The urgency in addressing the aftermath of accidents showcases the critical role played by these airborne medical teams.

Strokes became the second most prevalent reason for HEMS calls, with 1,512 instances. Demonstrating versatility, crews undertook 975 flights to aid individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, underlining the crucial minutes saved by air transport in critical situations.

The spectrum of challenges faced by the LPR crews was vast, encompassing 971 cases of various injuries, including 693 incidents involving falls from heights.

A testament to their adaptability, the teams navigated diverse emergencies ranging from thermal burns to myocardial infarctions.

Racing Against Time: The Chronology of Assistance

Responding to 597 calls involving unconscious individuals, the helicopters became a symbol of hope.

The catalogue of emergencies extended to include scenarios like chest pain (351), shortness of breath (270), seizures (223), and fainting (286), showcasing the comprehensive nature of LPR’s lifesaving interventions.

The Statistical Landscape

In alignment with their statutory obligations, HEMS helicopters logged an impressive 8,950 hours in 2023.

This significant raid contributed to the overall flight time of all LPR aircraft, totaling 9,489 hours, which includes school or technical flights.

Peak Performance: July 17, 2023

Highlighting the intensity of their commitment, the crews faced their busiest day on July 17, 2023, completing a staggering 58 missions. The maximum number of departures in a single day reached eight.

About LPR

Polish Medical Air Rescue operates a fleet of 21 modern helicopters stationed at 21 permanent bases across Poland, ensuring coverage throughout the country.

The operator has traditionally maintained a mixed fleet of both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, dominated by Eurocopter EC135 helicopters, which serve as the backbone of its emergency response. The provider has also operated several fixed wing aircraft – Piaggio P180 Avantis and Bombardier Learjet 75s.

Each base is equipped with a highly trained medical team, including a doctor, paramedic, and rescue technician, ready to respond to emergencies 24/7.

The helicopters are specially configured for medical care, featuring advanced equipment and medications to provide critical life support during transport.

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