Donations helping frontline medics in Ukraine
Independent British initiative Medics4Ukraine has announced its latest update to the rolling total of medical supplies and training delivered to medics on the Ukraine frontline. In just one year, the figure has reached a remarkable £2 million.
The announcement came as the tenth convoy left the UK for Ukraine carrying yet more vital supplies and equipment to medics on the frontline.
‘We couldn’t have done this without the support of so many people, whose generous donations have made a real difference to the lives of those risking everything to keep others safe,’ says Mark Hannaford, Co-founder of Medics4Ukraine.
‘But the fight is far from over and we need even more support to keep going and reach even more heroes on the frontline.’
The war has now entered its second year with Russia continuing to attack with missile strikes, including a rare type of hypersonic missile, resulting in yet more casualties amongst soldiers and the Ukraine population.
‘The appeals from frontline medics for supplies to help them save lives and treat injuries have never abated,’ explains Luca Alfatti, Co-founder of Medics4Ukraine and an advanced paramedic.
‘With each convoy we respond to as many specific requests as we can, buying supplies through fundraising or accepting donations of medical items from organisations across the world.’
Medical supplies
Amongst the medical supplies always high on the wish list from medics are tourniquets, compression bandages, field dressings, ventilators and oxygen cylinders and consumables such as gloves, cannulas and syringes.
Mark will shortly be travelling to Ukraine with a six-person combat medical training team made up of doctors and paramedics. After this mission, he estimates more than 450 Ukraine medics will have received training in combat casualty care.
Many partners have stepped up to support the initiative, from Celox, Herminious, Leigh Spinners Mill and Blizzard Blankets to Vulcan Training and Consultancy, Festival Medical Services and Reflex Medical.
Medics4Ukraine is also supported overseas by the Polish Fire Brigade, Polish Red Cross and many local volunteers. Organisations providing assistance closer to home include Beer Action Group and Ukraine Freedom Company.
To follow the progress of donations, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/medics4ukraine
Images supplied courtesy of World Extreme Medicine: Mark Hannaford and Luca Alfatti