Warsaw’s Meditrans emergency service began operating its first motorcycle ambulance as part of the national medical rescue system on May 1, 2026.
New Two-Wheeled Ambulance in Warsaw, But History of Motoambulances is Longer
On May 1, 2026, the Warsaw Provincial Emergency and Sanitary Transport Station “Meditrans” SPZOZ announced the launch of the first motorcycle ambulance in the capital, operating as a fully-fledged unit of the State Medical Rescue System.
The new motoambulance is intended to reach patients faster in locations where access for a traditional ambulance may be hindered by traffic congestion, narrow streets, gatherings, or limited terrain accessibility.
A Significant Change in Warsaw’s Emergency Medical Organization
Meditrans’ new unit represents an important change in the organization of emergency medical services in Warsaw. The motorcycle, which took to the capital’s streets on May 1st, is an ambulance integrated into the State Medical Rescue System and funded by the National Health Fund.
This distinguishes it from earlier social and foundation-based motorcycle rescue projects that have been operating in Warsaw for years.
Legal Changes Enabled Motorcycle Rescue Units
The introduction of these units was made possible by changes in regulations concerning the State Medical Rescue System. The Ministry of Health announced in 2025 that the amendment to the law included provisions for motorcycle rescue units.
Their task is to quickly reach areas where a traditional ambulance has difficulty accessing, including during large gatherings and traffic disruptions. Motorcycle units can operate seasonally – from May 1st to September 30th – and for a maximum of 12 hours per day.
Earlier Initiatives: The “Wioząc Życie” Foundation
However, it is worth noting that this is not the first initiative utilizing motorcycles for rescue operations in Warsaw. The Jednym Śladem (One Track) Foundation has been active in the capital for years, launching the “Wioząc Życie” (Carrying Life) project as early as 2014.
The Foundation reports owning four fully equipped motorcycles used to provide assistance to those in need and to transport blood and plasma. The first such vehicle was a Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré, which began operating on Warsaw’s streets in 2014.
Foundation Motoambulances: Specialized Vehicles
The Jednym Śladem Foundation’s motoambulances are prepared for saving lives, medical security, and sanitary transport. The foundation describes them as motorcycles for special tasks, designed for transporting blood, blood products, organs, and laboratory samples.
Since 2017, the Foundation has also collaborated with the Regional Blood Center and Blood Treatment Center in Warsaw for blood and component transport. According to information published by krwiodawcy.org, Yamaha Tenere XT660Z or Yamaha Tracer 700 motorcycles carried out these transports from Monday to Friday between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, commissioned by the RCKiK Expedition Department.
Yamaha Tracer 700 Added to Foundation Fleet
In 2017, the Jednym Śladem Foundation’s fleet was reinforced with a Yamaha Tracer 700. Yamaha Motor Poland’s press service reported that the motorcycle was equipped with a rescue kit, orthopedic collar, oxygen therapy kit, AED, sanitary transport refrigerators, and light and sound signaling devices.
The vehicle was homologated as a medical rescue vehicle and was intended to serve on the streets of Warsaw.
“Borkoś” and His Volunteer Motoambulance
A separate, well-known initiative to Warsaw residents was the motoambulance of Marcin Borkowski, known as “Borkoś.” The paramedic worked daily at Warsaw’s emergency services and, in his spare time – especially during the pandemic – responded to emergencies on his own motoambulance as a volunteer.
“Borkoś” stated that the project cost around 30,000 PLN, and after initial self-funding, he began to operate thanks to support from internet users.
Speed and Accessibility: The Key to “Borkoś”’s Approach
“Borkoś”’s motoambulance was mainly used to quickly reach the scene of emergencies in public spaces. The paramedic explained that in such situations, time is crucial, and a motorcycle allows bypassing obstacles that could stop a regular ambulance.
After a serious accident in 2021, his distinctive motoambulance was destroyed, and Borkowski later announced his return to providing assistance on Warsaw’s streets with another vehicle adapted to rescue requirements.
A New Chapter for Motorcycle Rescue in Warsaw
The launch of the motoambulance by Meditrans is therefore the first such solution in Warsaw within the framework of the State Medical Rescue System, but not the beginning of motorcycle rescue in the capital. Previously, similar ideas were implemented by social organizations and volunteer paramedics who used two-wheelers to quickly reach those in need and provide medical transport.
Meditrans’ new unit incorporates these experiences into the official rescue system, funded by public funds and operating according to the principles established for PRM teams.
