Chances Of Survival In Isolation In The Case Of Polish Military Pilots - A Comparative Analysis Of The Research From 1998 And 2018

Background and Study aim: Survival school and SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) have been gaining more and more importance in Polish military aviation for over 20 years. The aim of this research was to answer the question whether in the period of 20 years there was a change in the awareness, knowledge and skills pertaining to survival of Polish military pilots.Material and Methods: In 1997, fifty military pilots at the age of 23-41 were surveyed, while in 2018, ninety military pilots at the age of 26-52. An anonymous questionnaire was used to conduct the research.Results: The research conducted in 2018 showed that at least 74% of the Polish military pilots had a sufficient level of "survival awareness". A sufficient level of "knowledge of survival" was found among 40% of the respondents, whereas 43% had "survival skills". In comparison to the results obtained 20 years ago, there was only a significant difference in "survival awareness". Fulfilling the criteria of isolation, was only true for 22% of the Polish military pilots, whereas in 2018 the proportion amounted to 23%.Conclusions: It was demonstrated on the conducted research that just like 20 years ago, only every fifth Polish military pilot is prepared to operate in isolation at least to a sufficient degree. Education and training activities in the Air Force over the past 20 years have only contributed to the increase in "survival awareness" of the military pilots.