The winner of the 19th edition of the Jerzy Zimowski Award for Civic Valor was announced on October 21 in the editorial office of the “Polityka” weekly. The distinction was received by Prof. Robert Gałązkowski, whose activity has been associated with the development of the Polish emergency medical rescue system for years.
In the commendation speech, Marcin Mikos, a member of the board of PZU Zdrowie, emphasized the role of the professor in creating and developing emergency medical services in Poland. He recalled that the development of the system began 20 years ago. Prof. Robert Gałązkowski was also responsible for the development of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, which he headed for many years.
Cooperation with Ukrainian medical professionals is also an important part of his activity. For over 16 years, he has been involved in the education of doctors, paramedics and emergency medical technicians from Ukraine, providing them with knowledge and skills necessary during combat operations.
The commendation speech also recalled his participation in rescue operations during the largest disasters in Poland, including the collapse of the sports arena in Katowice in 2006 and following the train crash near Szczekociny in 2012. It was emphasized that saving human lives remained the most important element of the professor's professional mission.
