title: Urgent emergency issue in Poland.
abstract: The paper refers to the problem of emergency medical service in Poland, which is the only European Union Member State not having activated the emergency phone number 112. This fact has caused the threat of European Union sanctions. In this context, we try to discuss the chances of finalizing reform of the dramatically inefficient Polish emergency services. Except for the lack of the integrated emergency call centres, there is no appropriate network of emergency hospital departments in Poland and no clear regulations concerning emergency professions. The necessary law was enacted in 2001, but it did not come into force. The threat of European Union sanctions may hasten its implementation; however, the weak position of the present government may cause a further delay of the reform.
authors.forename: Krzysztof
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Krajewski-Siuda
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Romaniuk
mesh_terms: D004631:Emergency Medical Service Communication Systems / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D011044:Poland