Thanks to the support of the POP Fund, the Silesian District Branch of the Polish Red Cross (PCK) in Katowice is implementing a project that is becoming a foundation for modern civil protection in Poland’s most densely populated region.
Silesia is a unique place on the map of Poland – an urbanized, industrial area where natural and technological challenges intersect. The risk of floods, gales, or technical failures is higher here than in other parts of the country. The PCK project provides a real tool for responding to these threats, creating a safe haven exactly where it is most needed.
What is the Mobile Aid Point?
The heart of the project is a fully equipped, modular Mobile Aid Point. It is not just a tent, but a professional technical and social base that can be deployed in a very short time. Its equipment includes:
- Medical Support: PSP R1 medical rescue kits, stretchers, and radio-telephones guarantee efficient communication and life-saving capabilities.
- Social Facilities: Mobile sanitary cabins, showers, and kitchen equipment (thermoses, gas stools, water heaters) allow for securing the basic living needs of those affected.
However, even the best equipment will not work without people. The project includes the implementation of rigorous SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and the training of 50 rescuers and volunteers who form the operational core of the point.
From Theory to Practice: Exercises in the Heart of the Urban Area
Theory and new equipment were put to the ultimate test during field exercises held on March 13-14 in Chorzów and Zabrze. A total of 140 PCK volunteers from across Poland participated in the maneuvers, representing:
- 14 Rescue Groups
- 4 Humanitarian Aid Groups
The joint maneuvers allowed for a practical test of the equipment funded by the POP Fund in a demanding environment. While practicing evacuation and cooperation with uniformed services, the volunteers proved that the equipment used – from lighting to power generators – performs reliably in extreme conditions, creating a stable response system alongside institutional partners.
Security for the Future
The Mobile Aid Point will be used not only in crisis situations but also for securing mass events and further training. Procedures are updated after each use, and equipment is subject to regular inspections, which guarantees that the residents of Silesia can count on Polish RC’s help at any time.
“By building a Mobile Aid Point, we are investing in the most important thing: a sense of security and readiness. We increase the safety not only of individuals but indirectly of hundreds of thousands of residents of the region.”
The project is funded thanks to the PKO Bank Polski Foundation and the ORLEN Foundation
