Predicting Mortality for COVID-19 Patients Admitted to an Emergency Department Using Early Warning Scores in Poland.

COVID-19 disease is characterised by a wide range of symptoms that in most cases resemble flu or cold. Early detection of infections, monitoring of patients' conditions, and identification of patients with worsening symptoms became crucial during the peak of pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the performance of common early warning scores at the time of admission to an emergency department in predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19. The study was based on a retrospective analysis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to an emergency department between March 2020 and April 2022. The prognostic value of early warning scores in predicting in-hospital mortality was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Patients' median age was 59 years, and 52.33% were male. Among all the EWS we assessed, REMS had the highest overall accuracy (AUC 0.84 (0.83-0.85)) and the highest NPV (97.4%). REMS was the most accurate scoring system, characterised by the highest discriminative power and negative predictive value compared to the other analysed scoring systems. Incorporating these tools into clinical practice in a hospital emergency department could provide more effective assessment of mortality and, consequently, avoid delayed medical assistance.

The prevalence and determinants of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in Ukrainian civilian physicians and paramedics in wartime-An observational cross-sectional study six months after outbreak.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is the largest European land offensive since World War II. Individuals affected by conflicts such as war are at an increased risk of mental disorders, which result from frequent exposure to traumatic events and the breakdown of supportive social networks. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in Ukrainian civilian physicians and paramedics six months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A cross-sectional study was conducted using validated questionnaires: The Life Events Checklist, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, The International Trauma Questionnaire (ICD-11), The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. The study showed that 61.1 % of participants indicated combat or exposure to a war zone as the most bothersome event in their experience. Physicians and paramedics did not differ in the prevalence of PTSD according to the DSM-5 diagnostic rule and of depression (criteria met by 14.5 % and 9 % of participants, respectively). However, more physicians than paramedics met the criteria of PTSD according to the ICD-11 diagnostic rule (5.1 % vs. 1.2 %) and of anxiety (16.5 % vs. 10.0 %). The risk factors for the mental health problems included personal combat experience, total trauma exposure, parenthood, and economic situation. Despite the differences found in the prevalence of PTSD depending on the criteria used, the severity of mental problems and disability in this group is significant. It is advisable to monitor the mental state and need for help among Ukrainian civilian medical personnel.

Arrhythmias Occurring in Children during HEMS Intervention: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Arrhythmias in patients during medical transport remain a challenge for medical personnel. Helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) crews, as the only medical rescue teams in Poland to conduct rescue flights, keep detailed documentation of monitoring vital functions over short time intervals during the flight. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of cardiac arrhythmia in pediatric patients (up to 12 years of age) transported by HEMS operatives, considering life-threatening rhythms and those that occur during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Methods: The analysis of HEMS medical documentation covered 90345 missions carried out from 2011 to 2020. Among all activations, 820 cases of arrhythmias in pediatric patients up to 12 years of age were extracted. Results: Missions for males accounted for 60% of all activations (n = 492), while flights for females accounted for 40% (n = 328). A statistically significant relationship between the number of HEMS flights and the season was demonstrated (p = 0.015). During the study period, pediatric patients mostly experienced cardiac arrhythmias in the form of supraventricular tachycardia (sVT) (n = 504). Asystole (n = 178) and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) (n = 52) ranked second and third in terms of occurrence, respectively. A statistically significant relationship between the type of heart rhythm disorder and age was demonstrated (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Heart rhythm disorders most often affected children between 0 and 3 years of age. As the patient's age increased, the incidence of arrhythmias decreased. Among pediatric patients, supraventricular tachycardia proved to be the predominant arrhythmia during the study period.

Factors Influencing the Control of Diabetes Measured via Glycated Hemoglobin Concentrations in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes.

Numerous complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be prevented through suitable glycemic control. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may be one of the markers for the early detection of the metabolic imbalance characteristic of the disease. However, optimal control of diabetes is not achieved in a large group of patients. It was demonstrated that numerous factors (sociodemographic, psychological, and clinical) contributed to this condition. The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing the control of diabetes measured via glycated hemoglobin concentrations in people with T1D. Independent factors influencing better diabetes control measured via HbA1c in the study group included higher disease acceptance, higher nutritional adherence, lower BMI, and a lower risk of eating disorders. Describing the determinants will allow for the improvement of the system of care provided to people with T1D and for it to comprise important psychological variables related to self-care and acceptance of the disease.

Association between Parity and Preterm Birth-Retrospective Analysis from a Single Center in Poland.

Preterm births and parity are two medical areas that seem to be entirely different from each other. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between parity and maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with preterm birth. This study involved a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from St. Sophia Hospital in Warsaw (Poland). This study was conducted among women who gave birth to preterm infants between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2021. A total of 2043 cases of preterm births were included in the final analysis. A higher odds ratio of preterm birth in primiparas was found in women living in a city/town (OR = 1.56) and having secondary (OR = 1.46) and higher education (OR = 1.82). Multiparas who gave birth to preterm infants were more frequently diagnosed with gestational diabetes (19.69%) than primiparas. Multiparas were more likely to give birth to preterm infants who received an Apgar score of ≤7 both at 1 and 5 min after birth (25.80% and 15.34%). The results of our study emphasize the differences between primiparas and multiparas who give birth to preterm infants. Knowledge of these differences is essential to improve the perinatal care provided to mothers and their infants.

What Differentiates Rural and Urban Patients with Type 1 Diabetes-A Pilot Study.

The effective management of diabetes is a complex issue and may be determined according to numerous patient-dependent and patient-independent factors. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the place of residence and selected sociodemographic, psychological and diabetes-related parameters in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study was conducted on 419 adults with T1D using nonprobability sampling. The following questionnaires were used: the Diabetes Dietary Guidelines Adherence Index, the Acceptance of Illness Scale, the Sense of Responsibility for Health Scale, the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised scale, the Eating Attitudes Test and questions on sociodemographic and diabetes-related parameters. People living in rural areas were characterized by a significantly lower age and level of education, a higher incidence of being overweight, a higher glycated hemoglobin concentration, a lower number of glucose measurements during the day and a higher level of acceptance of the disease compared to urban residents. The degree of adherence to dietary recommendations and the sense of responsibility for one's own health were significantly higher among urban residents. It is necessary to assess barriers to a proper diet and to increase the effectiveness in managing the disease in rural communities. Targeted actions promoting the health of type 1 diabetics need to be developed with particular emphasis on patients from rural areas.

Retrospective Study to Identify Risk Factors for Severe Disease and Mortality Using the Modified Early Warning Score in 5127 Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to an Emergency Department in Poland Between March 2020 and April 2021.

BACKGROUND COVID-19, a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, has posed a threat to global public health. This retrospective study of 5127 patients with COVID-19 admitted to an Emergency Department in Poland between March 2020 and April 2021 aimed to identify risk factors for severe disease and mortality using the modified early warning score (MEWS). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was based on a retrospective analysis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the Emergency Department between March 2020 and April 2021. A total of 5127 cases were included in the final analysis. Identifying the group of high-risk patients with COVID-19 was determined based on the MEWS score. RESULTS Most of the patients studied were male (53.38%). The in-hospital mortality rate among the patients was 21.53%. The factors associated with the risk of in-hospital mortality from COVID-19 were age (>60 years, hazard ratio [HR]=2.27, P<0.001), comorbidities (cancer, HR=1.39, P=0.005; heart failure, HR=1.31, P=0.009; renal failure, HR=1.37, P=0.004), higher MEWS score (MEWS ≥5, HR=1.43, P<0.001), higher percentage of lung parenchyma affected (>50%, HR=2.10, P=0.001), and higher respiratory rate (>24 breaths per min, HR=2.10, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study produced real-world data of risk factors for mortality from COVID-19 and the use of the MEWS for a faster identification of patients with COVID-19 requiring more intensive medical care.

Place of residence and time of day as factors affecting the course of vaginal delivery.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Childbirth is one of the most important events in a woman's life and is influenced by many factors. The aim of the research was to analyze the impact of the place of residence of women giving birth and the time of day on the course of natural birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted using the method of analysis of retrospective electronic documentation of patients who gave natural vaginal birth in the St. Zofia hospital in Warsaw, Poland. The analysis covered the period from 1 January 2015-31 December 2020; from 40,007 cases, 20,980 were qualified for final analysis. Analysis of the documentation allowed to obtain the following data: socio-demographic, lifestyle, obstetrics, course of delivery and the condition of the newborn. Analysis of the relationship between qualitative variables was performed using the Chi-square test, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare two quantitative variables. RESULTS: Women giving vaginal delivery from rural areas were younger (30.9 vs. 31.3), had primary education (2.4% vs. 1.7%) and secondary education (16.2% vs. 10.1%), were in a relationship (86.1% vs. 81.6%) and more often had a higher BMI at birth (27.8 vs. 27.0), compared to the patients living in cities (p<0.05). In addition, between 07:00-18:59., induction of labour (20.7% vs. 19.1%), epidural anesthesia (35.4% vs. 34.0%) and episiotomy were performed more often (29.1% vs. 27.8%) (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Differences were shown in the course of vaginal delivery in relation to the place of residence of the women, and the time of day of the delivery. These factors should be considered in the planning of perinatal care. At the same time, it is necessary to conduct further research on the analyzed aspect in order to ensure the highest quality care.

Patient Management in the Emergency Department during a COVID-19 Pandemic.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, international action has been taken to prevent the spread of the disease. The aim of this study is to establish the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department utilization patterns in Poland. It was established that age (among COVID-19 positive patients) has a large influence on the occurrence of a mental illness or disorder. It has been proven that the older the person (patients diagnosed with U07.1), the more often mental diseases/disorders are diagnosed (p = 0.009-0.044). Gender decides the course of hospitalization to the disadvantage of men (p = 0.022). Men diagnosed with U07.1 stay much longer in specialized long-term care units. Lower-aged patients have a shorter hospitalization time (up to the age of 29; p = 0.017). The COVID-19 pandemic has placed healthcare systems, their staff, and their patients in an unprecedented situation. Our study showed changes in the number and characteristics of patients visiting the ED during COVID-19. Despite the shift in the center of gravity of health system functioning to the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, care must be taken to ensure that uninfected patients have access to treatment for cardiovascular, mental health, oncological, and other diseases.

Retrospective Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Induction of Childbirth in 4350 Women from a Single Center in Warsaw, Poland.

Labor induction is one of the most common procedures performed during childbirth, on average in 20−30% of all pregnant women. The aim of this paper was to perform a retrospective analysis of the factors influencing the induction of childbirth. The data provide population-based evidence for Poland (Masovian Voivodeship). The electronic patient records of a hospital in Warsaw were used to create an anonymous retrospective database of all deliveries from 2015 to 2020. The study included an analysis of two groups of patients. The study group consisted of patients with labor induction­4350 cases, and the control group of patients with spontaneous contractions­20,345. The factors influencing the lower frequency of labor induction in the study group were previous cesarean section (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.64−0.84, p < 0.05) and a higher number of deliveries (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.68−0.80, p < 0.05). It is necessary to conduct further research about obstetric procedures used during childbirth, such as induction of childbirth, to reduce the risk of complications and improve the perinatal care of the mother and the neonate.

Episiotomy for Medical Indications during Vaginal Birth-Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors Determining the Performance of This Procedure.

The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that the percentage of perineal incisions should not exceed 10%, indicating that this is a good goal to achieve, despite the fact that it is still a frequently used medical intervention in Poland. The risk factors for perineal incision that have been analyzed so far in the literature allow, among others, to limit the frequency of performing this procedure. Are they still valid? Have there been new risk factors that we should take into account? We have conducted this study to find the risk factors for performing perineal incision that would reduce the frequency of this procedure. The aim of the study was to check whether the risk factors that were analyzed in the literature are still valid, to find new risk factors for perineal incisions and to compare them among Polish women. This was a single-center retrospective case-control study. The electronic patient records of Saint Sophia's Hospital in Warsaw, Poland, a tertiary hospital was used to create an anonymous retrospective database of all deliveries from 2015 to 2020. The study included the analysis of two groups, the study group of patients who had had an episiotomy, and the control group-patients without an episiotomy in cases where an episiotomy was indicated. A logistic regression model was developed to assess the risk factors for perineal laceration. Independent risk factors for episiotomy in labor include oxytocin use in the second stage of labor (OR (Odds Ratio) = 6.00; 95% CI (Confidence Interval): 4.76-7.58), the supply of oxytocin in the first and the second stage of labor (OR = 3.18; 95% CI: 2.90-3.49), oxytocin use in the first stage of labor (OR = 2.72; 95% CI: 2.52-3.51), state after cesarean section (OR = 2.97; 95% CI: 2.52-3.51), epidural anesthesia use (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.62-1.93), male gender (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02-1.19), and prolonged second stage of labor (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01-1.01). A protective factor against the use of an episiotomy was delivery in the Birth Centre (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.37-0.51) and mulitpara (OR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.27-0.35). To reduce the frequency of an episiotomy, it is necessary consider the risk factors of performing this procedure in everyday practice, e.g., limiting the use of oxytocin or promoting alternative places of delivery.

Spontaneous Perineal Trauma during Non-Operative Childbirth-Retrospective Analysis of Perineal Laceration Risk Factors.

Childbirth-related perineal trauma (CRPT) is defined as damage to the skin, muscles of the perineum, as well as to the anal sphincter complex and anal epithelium. The aim of the study was to analyze the risk factors for spontaneous injuries to the soft tissues of the birth canal during non-operative delivery. This was a single-center retrospective case-control study. The study included the analysis of two groups, the study group featured 7238 patients with spontaneous perineal laceration (any degree of perineal laceration) and the control group featured patients without perineal laceration with 7879 cases. The analysis of single-factor logistic regression showed that the factors related to perineal laceration during childbirth are the age of the patients giving birth (p = 0.000), the BMI before delivery (p = 0.000), the number of pregnancies (p = 0.000) and deliveries (p = 0.000), diagnosed gestational diabetes (p = 0.046), home birth (p = 0.000), vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) (p = 0.001), the use of oxytocin in the second stage of childbirth (p = 0.041), the duration of the second stage of childbirth (p = 0.000), body weight (p = 0.000), and the circumference of the newborn head (p = 0.000). Independent factors that increase the risk of perineal laceration during childbirth are an older age of the woman giving birth, a history of cesarean section, a higher birth weight of the newborn, and factors that reduce the risk of spontaneous perineal trauma are a higher number of deliveries and home birth.

Analysis of Risk Factors for In-Hospital Death Due to COVID-19 in Patients Hospitalised at the Temporary Hospital Located at the National Stadium in Warsaw: A Retrospective Analysis.

The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic has affected all aspects of social life and brought massive changes to the healthcare sector. The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting the mortality of COVID-19 patients at a temporary hospital in Warsaw (Poland). The present study was conducted based on a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients hospitalised at the temporary hospital located at the National Stadium in Warsaw between 1 March 2020 and 30 April 2021. The study included all cases of patients who were brought directly or transferred to the National Hospital from other hospitals for further treatment. With regard to comorbidities, the analysis found that five comorbidities­namely, diabetes (OR = 1.750, 95% CI: 1.009−2.444, p < 0.05), stroke history (OR = 2.408, 95% CI: 1.208−4.801, p < 0.05), renal failure (OR = 2.141, 95% CI: 1.052−4.356, p < 0.05), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 2.044, 95% CI: 1.133−3.690, p < 0.05) and heart failure (OR = 1.930, 95% CI: 1.154−3.227, p < 0.05)­had a significant impact on the survival of COVID-19 patients. The analysis identified 14 factors that had a significant impact on the prognosis and mortality of the COVID-19 patients studied.

Transport Safety Concerning a Patient Infected With SARS-CoV-2 and Emergency Service Officers in an Ambulance Accident-A Case Study.

The manifestation of a new pathogen, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), constitutes a new problem for modern health care systems. Developing updated standards for all emergency services working at an accident site during the pandemic has been a continuous challenge. The principal method of preventing the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the use of personal protective equipment, such as protective suits, masks and goggles, or face shields. The study aims to present the recommended on-site procedures during the coronavirus pandemic based on the description of an accident of an ambulance transporting a patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, emphasizing the actions taken by the emergency services sent to the accident site.

Experience of the Polish Medical Air Rescue Service During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Measures Taken to Protect Patients, Medical Staff, and Air Crew from SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

BACKGROUND The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and the sudden inflow of patients with severe COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) symptoms increased demand for hospital and pre-hospital care, the latter being provided by emergency medical teams. The Polish Medical Air Rescue Services include the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and the airplane-based Emergency Medical Service (EMS). This study aimed to present the experience of the Polish Medical Air Rescue Service during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken to protect patients, medical staff, and air crew from SARS-CoV-2 infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of missions completed by the Polish Medical Air Rescue crews with respect to confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases. We analyzed data from the medical records of the Polish Medical Air Rescue Service, which included flights to accidents and emergencies, and air patient transport missions, where medical assistance was provided to patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first year of the pandemic in Poland. RESULTS Among the COVID-19 patients, the most common comorbidity was acute respiratory failure (41.58%). Emergency missions more often concerned older patients with sudden cardiac arrest, dyspnea, upper respiratory tract infection, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes. CONCLUSIONS During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, the Polish Medical Air Rescue Service implemented procedures to protect patients, medical staff, and air crew from SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study highlights the importance of using single-patient isolation units for patient transport between hospitals and for emergency hospital admissions when the SARS-CoV-2 status of the patients were unknown.

Suspected Miscarriage in the Experience of Emergency Medical Services Teams-Preliminary Study.

Vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain are symptoms indicative of a threat to pregnancy that prompt women to seek assistance from health care professionals. The purpose of the study was to present the characteristics of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team interventions in cases of suspected miscarriage. The study involved a retrospective analysis of EMS team interventions in cases of suspected miscarriage carried out between January 2018 and December 2019 in Poland. Data obtained from Poland's National Monitoring Center of Emergency Medical Services included emergency medical procedure records and EMS team dispatch records in electronic format. The mean patient age was 30.53 years. Most were primiparous (48.90%) and up to the 13th gestational week (76.65%). The most commonly reported symptom was vaginal bleeding (80.71%). EMS teams were most commonly dispatched in the winter (27.03%), between 7 A.M. and 6:59 P.M. (51.87%), in urban areas (69.23%), with urgency code 2 (55.60%), and in most cases, they transferred the patient to a hospital (97.53%). The present study addresses very important issues concerning the characteristics of Polish suspected miscarriage cases handled by different EMS team types, in different locations (urban vs. rural areas), and concerning patients in a different obstetric situation (gestational week, gravidity, parity). Our findings suggest a need for further studies in this field and for gestational health promotion activities to be implemented, specifically including actions to reduce the risk of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.

Post-Traumatic Growth among Patients after Living and Cadaveric Donor Kidney Transplantation: The Role of Resilience and Alexithymia.

The aim of this study was to determine the role of resilience and alexithymia in the post-traumatic growth as a response to extreme stress in patients after kidney transplantation and to determine whether there are differences in the level of posttraumatic growth in patients after living and cadaveric donor kidney transplantation. The relationships between these variables were also evaluated. The questionnaire survey of 91 kidney recipients took place in 2018 and 2019. The following tools were used: authorial post-transplant questionnaire for recipients and validated questionnaires, Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI-R), Resilience Coping Scale Questionnaire, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale Questionnaire (TAS20). The results obtained showed significant differences between the group of kidney recipients from living donors and recipients from cadaveric donors, in terms of overall post-traumatic growth, as well as changes in self-perception and a greater appreciation for life. Post-traumatic growth in both groups was related to the level of resilience and the level of alexithymia. Resilience is an accurate predictor of posttraumatic growth in general and for each of the groups of recipients separately.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis as Reasons for Women's Admission to Outpatient Specialist Care in Poland-A Retrospective Analysis.

This study aimed at presenting selected aspects of outpatient specialist care for women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. The study was carried out using a retrospective analysis of the services provided under Outpatient Specialist Care (AOS) for women, based on data from the National Health Fund (NFZ). The study included data on women with PCOS or endometriosis based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) in Poland from 2016 to 2018. The average age of women in the study group with PCOS was 25.31 (±7.02) years and, for those with endometriosis, 38.21 (±10.79). AOS patients with diagnosed PCOS most often made 2-3 visits (34.60%) to a specialist doctor, and those with diagnosed endometriosis most often made one visit (39.95%). Significant differences between patients with PCOS and endometriosis using AOS were found concerning the women's age, the year, season, place of treatment, type of clinic, mode of admission, number of visits, and their place of residence or macroregion. With increasing age, women with PCOS made more visits to AOS, and women with endometriosis made fewer visits to the AOS specialist.

Suspected Labour as a Reason for Emergency Medical Services Team Interventions in Poland-A Retrospective Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to present the characteristics of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team responses to calls regarding suspected labour in out-of-hospital settings in Poland. We performed a retrospective analysis of EMS team interventions in cases of suspected onset of labour outside a hospital setting. The analysis included 12,816 EMS team responses to calls regarding women in suspected labour in the period between January 2018 and December 2019. The mean age of the patients studied was 28.24 years (SD = 6.47). The majority of patients were at term (76.36%) and in their second pregnancy (29.96%). EMS teams were most often dispatched in the summer (25.95%) and in urban areas (63.26%). Most EMS teams were basic (68.99%) and interventions most often took place between 19:00 and 06:59 (63.14%). Significant differences were observed between preterm and term pregnant women attended by EMS teams in terms of variables such as the age of the patient, number of previous labours, history of miscarriage, presence of vaginal bleeding, time of year, location of call, type and composition of EMS team dispatched, urgency code and time of call, duration of intervention, selected emergency medical procedures performed and test results.

Characteristics of urban versus rural utilization of the Polish Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: In patients with acute phase of ST­segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), quick transportation to a specialist therapeutic center is of utmost importance to increase the chances of surviving. AIMS: The objective of this study was to characterize the missions of the Polish Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) to patients with STEMI in urban and rural areas and to assess the utilization of air ambulance support as part of an early stage of the therapeutic process. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 6099 patients with STEMI treated by the Polish HEMS crews from January 2011 to December 2018. RESULTS: The study group included mainly men (68.9%) and persons aged 60 to 79 years (53.9%). The mean (SD) age of the entire group was 64.8 (11.9) years. The level of consciousness measured by the Glasgow Coma Scale score ranged from 13 to 15 (84.8% of patients), the mean (SD) Revised Trauma Score was 11.4 (1.9) points, and the mean (SD) number of points on the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics scale was 4 (1). In rural areas, the Polish HEMS crews were more frequently dispatched to medical emergencies (99.3% vs 59.6%). Sudden cardiac arrest occurred more often in those areas (6% vs 3.8%), which resulted in the death of the patient (2.4% vs 0.4%; P <0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: There were differences in utilization of the Polish HEMS in patients with STEMI in urban and rural areas. The results demonstrated a positive impact of the utilization of HEMS in the early stages of the therapeutic process of these patients.