1857–2026
The history of the Prague Emergency Medical Service reflects more than a century and a half of continuous development — from voluntary civic aid to a modern, highly specialized medical service providing advanced pre-hospital care to a European capital. Each milestone represents progress shaped by professional dedication, innovation, and service to the public.
1857 — The Beginning
The Prague Volunteer Protection Corps is founded by 36 volunteers, establishing the first organised framework for systematic rescue assistance in the city.
1890 — Expansion of Capabilities
Thanks to rescue equipment donated from Vienna, the corps significantly expands its operational capacity, enabling more effective assistance to Prague’s inhabitants.
1911 — The First Ambulance
The Prague Municipal Insurance Company provides the corps with its first ambulance vehicle, marking an important step toward modern medical transport.
1924 — Authorised Emergency Signalling
The corps receives official permission to use a fanfare trumpet as an emergency signalling device, improving response coordination.
1948 — A New Headquarters
The organisation relocates its headquarters to Dukelských hrdinů Street, reflecting its growing institutional role.
1973 — Emergency Number 155
The nationwide emergency telephone number 155 is introduced, creating a unified access point to emergency medical care.
1987 — Air Rescue and the Rendezvous System
Air Rescue Service operations begin in Prague. At the same time, the ambulance service introduces the rendezvous system, in which a physician responds separately in a rapid-response vehicle and meets the ambulance crew at the scene.
1989 — Emergency Care Hospital at Malvazinky
A hospital dedicated to urgent care, including Prague’s first emergency department, is established in Malvazinky, strengthening continuity between pre-hospital and hospital care.
1998 — Move to Korunní Street
The emergency medical service relocates to new premises in Korunní Street, providing improved operational facilities.
2002 — Modern Ambulance Concept
The concept of box-type ambulance vehicles is introduced, improving workspace safety and medical capabilities during patient transport.
2003 — Telephone-Assisted Resuscitation
Telephone-Assisted Emergency Resuscitation (TANR) for cardiac arrest is officially implemented, enabling dispatchers to guide callers through lifesaving procedures before crews arrive.
2007 — National Adoption of Prague Methodology
The Prague methodology for TANR becomes a nationwide recommendation of the Czech Medical Association of Jan Evangelista Purkyně.
2010 — Public Resuscitation Education
For the first time in the Czech Republic, “Save a Life” resuscitation instruction leaflets are installed in all public transport vehicles, promoting public readiness to provide first aid.
2016 — Women in Frontline Operations
Female paramedics begin serving in active frontline emergency operations, reflecting the continuing evolution of the profession.
2017 — Digital Transformation
The service is transitioning to electronic medical documentation, modernising clinical data management and improving operational efficiency.
2020 — The COVID-19 Pandemic
Prague paramedics play a key role in helping the capital overcome the coronavirus pandemic while also transporting patients from overloaded regional hospitals, demonstrating exceptional flexibility and resilience.
2022 — Assistance to Refugees from Ukraine
The Prague Emergency Medical Service helps manage the influx of refugees following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, providing medical assistance and operational support to the city.
2023 — Launch of Medical Transport Service
The service establishes its own medical transport division, expanding patient care beyond emergency response.
2024 — International Accreditation
The organisation receives prestigious accreditation from the Joint Accreditation Commission, confirming the high quality and safety of its medical services.
2025 — Modernisation of the Medical Operations Centre
After more than 25 years of continuous operation, the Medical Operations Centre undergoes a comprehensive reconstruction and modernisation, ensuring readiness for future challenges.