Feb 27, 2022
Ukrainians Prepare to Save Lives
As fighting continues in Ukraine, we take some comfort in knowing Ukraine has taken steps to ensure its citizens are prepared to respond to life-threatening emergencies. In some ways they are more prepared for response to a life-threatening emergency than we are in the USA.
Ukrainian children are taught how to use an AED and how to control bleeding in the country’s “Kids Save Lives” program. Children are capable of using an AED and applying a tourniquet, so it makes sense to teach them these basic skills at an early age.
Officers of the National Police of Ukraine complete a training course called “First at an Incident Scene” that ensures they are prepared not just to ensure public safety and public order, but also to respond to medical emergencies, including use of AEDs and other medical care that can be administered before a medic is available. Some police forces in the USA don’t receive AED training and/or don’t have AEDs in their vehicles, so here too we might learn from the Ukrainians.
Godspeed to the citizens of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian military. We pray for their safety and success as they fight for their nation.
