Polish medical and military universities launch postgraduate programme in crisis management
Wrocław Medical University and the General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces in Poland are launching a new postgraduate programme in crisis management.
According to Wrocław Medical University, the "Rescue Operations in Crisis Situations and Armed Conflicts" programme is designed to be a unique combination of medical practice, military experience and security management elements that addresses the growing needs of healthcare and uniformed services. The programme opened for registration on 24 February.
The programme spans two semesters and 265 hours of instruction, and includes modules on tactical care for the wounded, battlefield procedures and the management of injuries caused by firearms and explosives.
"The dynamic changes in the nature of contemporary conflicts mean that battlefield medicine and the emergency response system require a common, up-to-date, and realistic training model," wrote Wrocław Medical University. "The participation of the armed forces and uniformed services in crisis response operations makes tactical and medical competencies crucial for both medical personnel and security forces."
Dr. Beata Zysiak-Christ, head of the Battlefield Department at the Military University of Land Forces, said that the number of situations requiring rescue teams to operate in high-risk conditions is growing.
"The answer to these challenges is comprehensive education that combines operational experience with medical knowledge, preparing future graduates to operate in the realities of tactical medicine," she said.
Part of course on CBRN threats
The programme was developed by specialists from the UN and NATO, physicians, military instructors and rescue practitioners, with the aim of preparing students for work in highly dynamic environments such as combat operations, large-scale disasters and terrorist attacks.
Simulation and field exercises focusing on decision-making when the lives of casualties are at risk will form the foundation of the programme, while a part of the course concerns CBRN threats and organising medical evacuations in areas with limited access.
Participants will complete an uncrewed aerial vehicle piloting course, culminating in obtaining an A1/A3 drone license.
The director of the programme, professor Tomasz Jurek from Wrocław Medical University's Battlefield Medicine and Forensic Ballistics Laboratory, said that "Our goal is to prepare specialists who can make the right decisions in situations where human life is at stake."
The new interdisciplinary programme is designed for those working in medical, emergency and uniformed services including the Polish army, police, fire department and territorial defence forces. It also opens up opportunities for candidates planning a career in crisis management, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian operations implemented by the UN, NATO and the EU.
Paulina Boroń-Kacperek, head of the postgraduate education centre at the Wrocław Medical University, said that graduates will be prepared to work in environments combining civilian and military elements where time pressure, operational complexity and the need to quickly assess situations are important.
Candidate registration began on 24 February via this link. The programme will begin in the summer semester of the 2025/2026 academic year once 30 students have signed up.
