Description
Currently in Poland there are no comprehensive programs to support people with information on how to deal with long-term consequences of accidents. Project purpose is to provide comprehensive information support to the victims of (road and other) accidents and their families all over the country. Project includes launching the first intervention helpline in Poland with information on the sequence of post-accident activities in the area of: medical treatment, rehabilitation, psychological and legal support, entitlements, important documentation and return to the labor market; publishing and disseminating in 200 hospitals and physiotherapy facilities and 100 public utility facilities communication materials (leaflets and posters) with basic information on what to do after an accident and promoting the helpline; developing an open Internet knowledge base for people who have been in an accident.
Summary of project results
"According to data from the National Police Headquarters, in 2013 in Poland 35 847 road traffic accidents took place, and as a result of them, 47 416 persons were injured. As shown by the experiences of the organisation, Poland lacks any comprehensive programs to support persons injured in accidents and their families in all key areas: medical treatment, rehabilitation. psychological, legal, social and professional support. The hospitals only focus on treatment of physical conditions and rehabilitation, while psychological assistance is equally important. The aim of the project was to prevent exclusion of persons injured in road and other life accidents through granting them access to information on: specific actions to be undertaken after an accident, medical treatment, rehabilitation, psychological and legal support, available benefits, important rulings, and the opportunities to return to the employment market. An intervention helpline was launched for persons injured in accidents and their families, through which 1184 persons were helped, information materials were published (100 000 leaflets and 1200 posters) and distributed throughout Poland (337 localisations), and the Internet knowledge base was created (421 061 page views). A broad information campaign was led: materials containing basic information on what to do after an accident and the helpline number were published and sent to 226 hospitals and rehabilitation centres and 111 public offices. A helpline for victims of accidents was organised (operating 6 hours a day for 5 days a week), serviced by four psychologists and a social worker. Over 1500 advices were given on medical treatment (293), rehabilitation (575), social and professional activation of victims of accidents (81), social assistance (552 - mainly on the available social benefits). 320 persons were given psychological support, 36 persons were directed to PTSD therapy, and 231 to lawyers. On the Internet page of the organisation, a knowledge base was created. The services of the helpline were used by 1184 victims of accidents: 545 of accidents at work (also abroad), 405 of traffic accidents, 70 of home accidents, and 164 of other types of accidents."
Summary of bilateral results