“Aliis inserendo consumor — serving others, I destroy myself” — author's exhibition of photographs by Maria Kośmicka

Exhibition from October 10 to November 18, 2026

In the public debate about paramedics, one often speaks through the prism of claims or negative stereotypes. This project is an intimate record of the everyday life of people who form the foundation of the Polish rescue system, and at the same time become the target of social frustration. The starting point for this photoreport was the tragic news from Siedlec — information about the murder of a 64-year-old paramedic while on duty. This event exposed the paradox of this profession: the rescuer, carrying help, himself becomes a victim.

Photojournalism is an attempt to give voice to those who are the “first contact” with death, pain and aggression, and at the same time rarely receive gratitude. This is a story about professionalism, which must win with fear and sometimes powerlessness.

The main premise of the project was to present the behind-the-scenes work of the emergency medical teams, with elements of human story and storytelling, as well as dynamic shots of the work of rescuers and to present them as heroes of the project. The artist wanted to portray naturalism and realism while collaborating with paramedics. It was about showing the real work and the spectrum of emotions that accompany it. The aim of the project was to make the public aware of the work of paramedics, what problems and occupational risks they face and what joy and satisfaction they can derive from their work. In addition to the aspect of being a hero and bringing invaluable medical help to those affected, the photographer wanted to show the prose of the life of a paramedic as an ordinary person, facing the challenges of everyday life — a person who, like any other person, has his own passions, friends, family.

The photoreport included more than a hundred photographs, of which a dozen were selected to be exhibited during the vernissage.

The event was under the honorary patronage of: the Marshal of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, the Voivode of West Pomerania, the National Chamber of Paramedics.

The event's partner is the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin.