Aggression against medics. New guidelines from the Attorney General

On July 4, the Prosecutor General issued new guidelines for investigating crimes against those providing health care, emergency care or acting in life-threatening situations. This is in response to the growing number of cases of aggression - both verbal and physical - against doctors, nurses, paramedics and other health care workers.

The document clearly states that violence against medical professionals - including beatings, criminal threats or insults - is to be treated with full seriousness, on a par with crimes against public officials. Not only doctors, but also first-aiders and emergency workers will benefit from the protection provided by the Criminal Code.

Reaction to reality

The new guidelines are one of the results of an interdepartmental effort that has been underway since January 29, 2025, when a working team was established with the participation of representatives of the medical community. The goal was to quickly prepare changes to improve the safety of emergency workers.

The next step was a May meeting at the Health Ministry, during which Minister Izabela Leszczyna, along with Ministers Adam Bodnar and Tomasz Siemoniak and the Police Chief, discussed systemic solutions. At the same time, a meeting was also held with the president of the Supreme Medical Council, Lukasz Jankowski.

The law, which strengthens the protection of

Concrete legislative solutions were included in the Law on Amendments to the Law on State Emergency Medical Services, passed on April 24, which will come into force on January 1, 2026.The new regulations introduce, among other things:

• The possibility of forming 3-person P-type rescue teams,
• Mandatory training in dealing with crisis situations (including self-defense and de-escalation techniques),
• Access to systemic psychological support for emergency team members.

Training and information campaign

In parallel with legislative activities, practical training sessions are being conducted in cooperation with the Police. So far, more than 8875 people - representatives of as many as 80% of dispatchers of medical rescue teams - have declared their participation. Trainings are currently taking place in 11 provinces.

The Ministry of Health is also implementing information and education campaigns to bring the social role of the medical profession closer to the public and promote respect towards health care workers. A nationwide social campaign is being prepared.

There will be harsher penalties

One of the key elements of the government's package is also an amendment to the Criminal Code that the Justice Ministry is working on. The new legislation is expected to toughen penalties for perpetrators of attacks on life and health savers - even if they are not formally public officials.

The draft amendment was referred to the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers in early July. If the legislation goes into effect, real protection for medics will increase significantly - not just on paper.

Source: MZ