World Vision staff and partners in Ukraine undergo first aid training to better support communities in need

In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the safety and well-being of individuals staying in the country are of paramount concern. To address this, World Vision has taken a crucial step to ensure the safety of its staff and the communities they serve.

This lifesaving First Aid Training was conducted in the cities of Dnipro and Kyiv, ensuring that both World Vision's dedicated staff and six implementing partners namely Children New Generation, Girls, Arms of Mercy, Avalyst, Teach for Ukraine, and Save Ukraine, were equipped with these essential skills to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the crisis.

“Someone's life may depend on our knowledge and skills," shared World Vision’s Security and Access Manager, Liudmyla Serdiukova, who organized the training.

"The training is in an interactive mode, actively applying skills in practice. Everyone was very satisfied. Some partners contacted trainers to conduct similar training in their organizations for all staff,” she added.

The course focuses on two essential components, such as "STOP THE BLEED" and pre-medical care training.

The “STOP THE BLEED” component is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to control life-threatening bleeding in emergency situations.

This training is valuable in a conflict zones like Ukraine, where injuries due to shrapnel, gunfire, and explosive devices are sadly common.

“It was intense and interesting due to a good tandem of two instructors who replaced each other in time, kept the participants' attention and worked with the audience well," said Serhii Druziev, co-founder of the NGO "Arms of Mercy-Dnipro".

We live in such a difficult time. The knowledge I received was very valuable.

He went on, "Thank you to the World Vision team for providing such crucial training."

The participants acknowledged that timely intervention can make the difference between life and death, and the ability to staunch bleeding is a critical skill for anyone working in such an environment.

“We live in such a difficult time. The knowledge I received was very valuable. However, I sincerely hope that I will never need them,” shared Sofiia Nikhaienko, who works as a People and Culture Assistant at World Vision.

The second part of the training focuses on pre-medical care. In these sessions, participants learn how to assess and stabilize individuals injured in the field before professional medical help arrives.

The training equips them with the ability to provide initial care, including ensuring clear airways, addressing breathing difficulties, and immobilizing fractures or injuries.

This knowledge is vital when resources and medical personnel may be limited due to conflict situations.

“I often go on field visits to talk to the children or their parents whom we help," explained Oleksandra Shapkina, who works as a Communications Officer at World Vision.

"These are different regions of Ukraine, from the West to the East. At such a time, it is very important that I know how to provide first aid to the injured,” she added.

By providing World Vision staff and their implementing partners with these essential skills, this First Aid training ensures that they can not only better protect themselves but also provide immediate assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

To date, World Vision in Ukraine has reached more than 953,000 people with food assistance, cash and vouchers, mental health, education, protection, health, shelter, and livelihood programs.

Story and photos by Oleksandra Shapkina, Communications Officer