On 13 October we observe Emergency Medical Services Day — a holiday for all those who help others every day. On this special day, it is worth remembering that emergency medical services also have an aviation dimension.
The history of air ambulance aviation in Poland dates back to the post-war years, when the first units and aircraft designed for medical evacuation from the air began to be established. Today’s Air Ambulance Service (Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe) continues this tradition — with a modern fleet and teams ready for action at any time of day or night.
Our Museum’s collection includes exceptional aircraft that recall the beginnings and development of air ambulance aviation in Poland and Central Europe.
Designed and built at the Central Aircraft Design Office (Centralne Studium Samolotów) in Warsaw under licence from the Soviet Po-2 aircraft, the CSS-13 was one of the first Polish ambulance and rescue aircraft designs.
The ambulance version was developed by Tadeusz Sołtyk, MSc Eng. — a designer known for his innovative technical solutions. The aircraft featured an enclosed cabin accommodating the pilot, a doctor and a patient placed on a stretcher in the fuselage.
In 1954–1955, 54 examples of this version were produced. The CSS-13 played a significant role in the development of Polish air ambulance aviation, symbolising the combination of technology and humanitarian mission.
This two- or four-seat passenger aircraft was designed in Czechoslovakia by engineer Jan Vlček and manufactured by the Aero Vodochody company. In Poland, it was used for medical transport and liaison missions, among other purposes.
The Ae-145 was distinguished by its high reliability, cabin comfort and adaptability for ambulance missions. This aircraft was also a symbol of cooperation between Eastern Bloc countries in the field of civil and utility aviation.
Another Czechoslovak design, the Let L-200A Morava, was produced from the late 1950s by the Let Kunovice factory. It was characterised by its elegant silhouette, twin-engine propulsion and excellent flying qualities.
Versions of this aircraft were used for medical transport, executive and passenger services. Thanks to its reliability and versatility, the Morava was widely used by civil services and aeroclubs throughout Europe.
Today, when the Air Ambulance Service carries out thousands of missions annually, it is worth remembering these aircraft that laid the foundations for modern air rescue aviation.
On the occasion of Emergency Medical Services Day, we extend our respect and gratitude to all Emergency Medical Technicians, pilots and crew members of the Air Ambulance Service for their daily service, dedication and readiness to bring help from the sky and from the ground.
We invite you to visit the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków, where the new permanent exhibition “With the Wind and Against the Wind — Civil Aviation” features the aircraft mentioned above and tells the fascinating history of air ambulance aviation in Poland.
