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RESEARCH PAPER
Support of the Polish national system by military medical services during natural disasters – WIM-PIB experiences from the 2024 flood in Lower Silesia
 
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Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Klinika Pediatrii, Nefrologii i Alergologii Dziecięcej, Polska
 
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Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Pełnomocnik Dyrektora ds. planowania użycia, programowania rozwoju i szkolenia wojskowego komponentu medycznego, Polska
 
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Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Zastępca Dyrektora ds. Rejonu Zabezpieczenia Medycznego Wojsk, Polska
 
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Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Klinika Chorób Wewnętrznych, Infekcyjnych i Alergologii, Polska
 
 
Submission date: 2025-02-02
 
 
Acceptance date: 2025-02-04
 
 
Publication date: 2025-03-31
 
 
Corresponding author
Agata Będzichowska   

Klinika Pediatrii, Nefrologii i Alergologii Dziecięcej, Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, ul. Szaserów 128, 04-141, Warszawa, Polska
 
 
LW 2025;103(1):37-42
 
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ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective: In September 2024, Lower Silesia was affected by an unprecedented flood, resulting in the destruction of infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, and an increase in epidemiological risks. In response to this situation, the Military Health Service, as part of the Military Task Group “Lower Silesia,” took action to support the national healthcare system. The aim of this study was to analyse the activities of military medical teams carried out during the rescue operation in the aftermath of the flood, identify operational challenges encountered, and develop recommendations for future interventions in crisis situations. Materials and methods: The study was based on the analysis of operational reports, medical documentation, and field observations of the activities undertaken by military medical teams. The organizational structure, areas of operation, and scope of healthcare services provided were described. Results: Over the course of seven days of operations, the military medical teams provided assistance to 338 patients, mainly those with respiratory infections, injuries, and exacerbations of chronic diseases. A total of 126 post-exposure vaccinations were also administered. Organizational challenges included difficulties in the continuous supply of medical materials, limited communication, and the absence of clear logistical procedures. Conclusions: The actions of the Military Health Service played a crucial role in stabilizing the health situation in the flood-affected areas. Based on the experiences gained, the need for better organization of logistics, communication, and resource acquisition in similar operations was highlighted.
eISSN:1509-5754
ISSN:0024-0745
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