XIII Medical Rescue Exercises in Poland highlight maritime emergency response and SAR cooperation

The 13th Medical Rescue Exercises brought together paramedic students from the Pomeranian University in Słupsk and Poznań University of Medical Sciences for several days of intensive field training focused on emergency medicine, mass-casualty management and maritime rescue operations.

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11 june 2026   |   15:55   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Michał Iwański   |   Print

fot. Natalia Mrowińska

The annual event is designed to expose future emergency medical personnel to highly realistic scenarios that test not only clinical competencies but also decision-making, communication and teamwork under pressure. Organisers emphasise that modern emergency response increasingly depends on the ability to operate effectively within multi-agency environments where rapid assessment and coordinated action are critical.

Realistic simulations reflecting operational challenges

Throughout the exercise programme, students were confronted with a wide range of emergency scenarios, including severe trauma cases, major haemorrhages, traumatic amputations, multi-system injuries and incidents involving multiple casualties.

Additional scenarios focused on fire-related emergencies and water rescue operations. Participants conducted advanced airway management procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and casualty assessments under conditions designed to replicate operational stress, reduced visibility and limited access to victims.

According to organisers, realistic simulations remain one of the most effective methods of preparing future paramedics for the unpredictable nature of emergency response. The exercises provide an opportunity to identify weaknesses, improve procedures and develop confidence before entering professional service.

Ustka beach transformed into a large-scale training ground

As in previous years, the most visible part of the exercise took place on the western beach in Ustka, near the Third Pier. Residents and visitors were able to observe rescue teams operating in scenarios closely resembling real emergencies.

Professional casualty simulation specialists recreated injuries with a high level of realism, enabling participants to practise assessment and treatment procedures under conditions that mirrored actual incidents.

Beyond medical interventions, the exercises also demonstrated the importance of command structures, information flow and coordination among responding units. Effective communication remains a critical component of successful emergency management, particularly during large-scale incidents involving multiple agencies and numerous casualties.

Maritime emergency response with the Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service

One of the key elements of this year's exercise was a large-scale maritime rescue scenario conducted in cooperation with the Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR).

The exercise simulated a collision between two vessels at sea, resulting in more than 80 casualties requiring evacuation and medical assistance. The scenario demanded extensive coordination between rescue assets operating offshore, onboard rescue vessels and at shore-based reception points.

Participants were required to perform triage, prioritise treatment and organise casualty transport while maintaining effective communication between multiple responding units.

Maritime rescue operations present unique challenges compared to land-based incidents. Weather conditions, vessel movement, limited working space and complex evacuation procedures require a high level of preparedness and cooperation among all responding services.

Major SAR assets deployed during the exercise

The scenario involved significant resources from the Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service. Among the participating vessels was Kapitan Poinc, the largest rescue vessel operated by the service, deployed from Gdynia specifically for the exercise.

Rescue boats from Ustka and Darłowo also participated, supporting casualty transfer operations and securing the incident area.

For many students, the exercise offered a rare opportunity to observe large-scale maritime rescue capabilities firsthand and gain insight into operational procedures employed during complex search and rescue missions in the Baltic Sea region.

The event further highlighted the importance of close cooperation between maritime rescue units and emergency medical services. Such joint exercises help build mutual understanding, improve operational readiness and strengthen interoperability between agencies responsible for protecting life at sea.

Helicopter evacuation from SAR vessel Orkan

A particularly notable part of the exercise involved an aerial medical evacuation conducted by a SAR rescue helicopter.

The helicopter crew carried out the extraction of three casualties from the deck of the SAR-3000 rescue vessel Orkan. The operation required precise coordination between personnel aboard the vessel, the flight crew and medical teams positioned ashore.

For students, the demonstration provided valuable insight into one of the most demanding aspects of maritime rescue operations. Helicopter-based evacuations remain a critical capability for reaching casualties in remote offshore locations and ensuring rapid transport to advanced medical facilities.

The exercise also showcased the role of aviation assets in reducing response times and expanding operational reach during maritime emergencies.

Preparing the next generation of emergency responders

Organisers underline that the exercises serve not only as a training platform but also as an opportunity for knowledge exchange between students, academic staff and rescue professionals.

Through cooperation with the Maritime Search and Rescue Service and experienced emergency responders, participants gain practical experience that cannot be fully replicated in classroom environments.

The 13th Medical Rescue Exercises once again demonstrated that effective lifesaving depends on far more than medical expertise alone. Success in modern emergency response requires adaptability, teamwork, communication and continuous training-particularly in the increasingly complex maritime environment.

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