Problematyka agresji wobec ratowników medycznych w zespołach ratownictwa medycznego

Introduction: The publication presents the issue of aggression addressed to paramedics working in medical emergency teams. Material and methods: The study included 50 paramedics who completed a questionnaire carried out by the authors. The survey was voluntary and anonymous. Results: During 12 months prior to the study, 96% of responders experienced aggression during working in the State Medical Rescue System in Poland. The most frequent form of aggression was verbal aggression. 22% of participants experienced assault and their health was damaged as a result of patient’s aggressive behaviour. However, most of the respondents did not report this fact to the police. Conclusions: An aggression against medical personnel is a significant problem of State Medical Rescue System in Poland. It requires systemic changes as well as an individual support for units affected by this problem.