Paramedics’ Day in Poland Date in the current year: October 13, 2024

Paramedics are healthcare professionals who work mainly as part of emergency medical services. Their scope of practice typically includes autonomous decision making around the emergency care of patients. In Poland, a person must undergo a three-year training to become a paramedic (ratownik medyczny). It is also possible to obtain a certificate in two years but only if you already have an undergraduate degree.

Emergency Medical Services Day in Poland, often referred to as Paramedics’ Day, was officially established in 2006, following the adoption of the Law on State Medical Assistance. Despite its official status, it is a not public holiday. As a statutory holiday, Paramedics’ Day is a working day, unless it falls on a weekend.

The patron saint of the emergency medical services and Paramedics’ Day in Poland is the Blessed Gerard, best known as the founder of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (Knights Hospitaller). Gerard served as rector of the Hospital of St. John in Jerusalem and founded the Order of Hospitallers to provide care for sick or injured pilgrims coming to the Holy Land.