Gateway for evacuations from Ukraine – a visit to the EU-MEDEVAC Hub in Poland

Since September 2022, the “MEDEVAC Hub Jasionka”, run by Polish relief organisation Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM), has been supporting medical evacuations from Ukraine. Located in Rzeszów, about 80 km from the Polish-Ukrainian border, the medical facility provides a stopover for the sick and injured arriving by ambulance from Lviv on the other side of the border. From the strategically important Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport, patients are then transferred to countries throughout Europe to receive further urgently needed medical care. Two representatives of the German National Focal Point for Emergency Medical Teams (EMT NFP), based at the Centre for International Health Protection (ZIG) at the Robert Koch Institute, had the opportunity to visit the facility from 26-28 August 2024. They were able to gain valuable insights from PCPM's expertise and engaged in discussions on medical and logistical challenges related to the evacuation process. In addition, potential collaborations between PCPM and German EMTs have been addressed during the visit.

The visitors from RKI meet the hub staff. Source: PCPM

The medical hub in south-eastern Poland is operated by PCPM's Emergency Medical Team, which represents the international emergency medical capacity of the multi-faceted aid organisation. Originally planned to operate for six months and now already in service for two years, the hub, which is funded by the European Union under the umbrella of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), had already received approximately 1,300 patients from Ukraine at the time of the visit. These were escorted by approximately 560 accompanying persons, mostly family members of the injured or seriously ill patients. Patients are selected by the Ukrainian Ministry of Health from a large number of people in need who have applied for treatment abroad using an online form provided by the ministry. The European Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) coordinates which country receives them and what treatment capacities are available. Repatriation of patients to Ukraine is also done through the Hub.

The psychologist on duty (right) talks about her work. Source: RKI

The patients' stay in Rzeszów is usually limited to a maximum of 48 hours. During this time, medical and psychological experts take care of the approximately 20 people who reach the hub with each ambulance convoy. Patients receive meals and spend the night under medical supervision in their own treatment rooms. Cancer patients are treated in isolation and by specially assigned staff due to their severely weakened immune system. For people who show signs of infectious diseases upon arrival, a fully equipped isolation container is available in the outdoor area. PCPM has set up lovingly designed playrooms for children who are ill or travelling with their parents. Each child also receives a teddy bear as a gift – for many of them, it is the first toy of their own after a long and exhausting journey.

The onward journey of the patients usually takes place by air. A large proportion of Ukrainian citizens who receive treatment abroad are admitted to hospitals in Germany, followed by Norway and the Netherlands, as well as many other European countries. Despite this, a major challenge remains the quick finding of places for all those waiting.

Patient transport to the airport. Source: RKI

The medical hub in Rzeszów is an unprecedented facility, planned and launched by PCPM professionals with extensive experience of working abroad and in the field. For their work and hospitality, the PCPM colleagues deserve the utmost gratitude and respect.

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