Myth 1: Because of the rescue reform, patients are at risk of an ambulance not being sent to them in time.
FACT: It's a misinformation. On the contrary, the proposals developed will increase the quality and availability of ambulances. The new ZZS network with new crew types and improved operational control on the emergency call line will ensure that the ambulance is dispatched on time. In practice, this will mean that in the absence of a doctor, an operating centre in certain regions will be able to send an extended medical examiner to the patient. On the contrary, if the patient does not need a paramedic to transport the paramedic from the hospital to the hospital or home, he will be accompanied by a transport assistant, which means we can use qualified paramedics where they are really needed. Above this whole is the Operations Centre, which, using new methodology and new tools, can use its resources and ambulances more efficiently and ensure that urgent assistance to patients is provided in a timely manner.

Myth 2: The new reform will result in a reduction in the number of ZZS crews.
FACT: Nowadays there are 321 crews in Slovakia. This number will remain. Only the numbers of individual types of crews will be changed in order to be used by health professionals where necessary. However, availability will remain the same for the patient in terms of number of points. However, it will be even more accessible from the point of view of the finish line, precisely as a result of a new type of crew. Simply put: this will help patients to get to health care even faster.

Myth 3: After 1 January 2025, the availability of ZZS will change.
FACT: Availability will not change immediately after 1.1.2025. The amendment of the law will enable the necessary changes to be implemented in order to improve the availability of ZZS. Changes will be introduced gradually until 2026. Patients have nothing to worry about, changes will relate to improving accessibility but also efficiency. Currently, up to 20% of calls to line 155 do not need emergency medical services and part of the calls are made partly for social reasons. These patients need health care, but not a rescue service.

Myth 4: After the new reform, ambulances will not be summoned to patients.

FACT: The new system of functioning of the ZZS will ensure that, like today, any patient in need of medical assistance is sent by a qualified doctor in the form of a fast medical crew or RV (from franc. rendez-vous – to meet). Such a doctor, along with a paramedic, will be directed towards a patient in a smaller vehicle and will provide the necessary urgent care. After examination and treatment, in most cases, the patient will be handed over to the paramedic crew, and the RV crew doctor will be immediately available for another patient. This will increase availability for those patients who need a doctor, as it can move immediately through the RV system to another patient.

Myth 5: Only the driver will transport the patients for examination or transfer to home treatment and there will be no ambulance.
FACT: In case the patient needs treatment during the transport, such as infusion or other medication, he will be transferred with an ambulance. In case the patient does not need medication or other therapy while moving the ambulance, it will be transported by an ambulance with two crew members: a transport assistant and a driver. The transport assistant will be fully educated by an accredited training programme to prepare him for these types of transport.

Myth 6: Patients at risk of life will be treated with a short course of laymen.
FACT: Patients at risk of life will always be summoned either by a doctor or a paramedic. However, there are situations where a patient does not need a paramedic when being transferred to a hospital, and that is when an assistant of transport will be applied, who will undergo an accredited educational programme and be a full-fledged health professional for these activities. This programme will last at least 180 hours and will be carried out only by institutions accredited by the Ministry of Education (SZU, secondary health schools). This type of paramedic is not intended to replace and replace the work of a paramedic, but it is intended to create a space to help rescue patients who really need it.