Russian forces have occupied parts of Khersonska and Mykolaivska oblasts since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. After nine months of fighting, Ukrainian forces successfully reclaimed Mykolaivska. However, the front line remains nearby, in neighbouring Khersonska.
During this time, many of the residents were forced to seek refuge in other towns and regions. Many headed to Pervomaisk, a smaller city located in the northwest of the oblast, while others went to Mykolaiv City.
Proximity to the fighting and the increased demand for services due to the movement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have created new challenges for the already struggling health facilities of the region.
For example, the Bilozerka Center of Primary Medical and Sanitary Care in Khersonska and the Snihurivka Center of Primary Medical and Sanitary Care in Mykolaivska had to operate under Russian occupation for nine months. Nearby, the Mishkovo-Pohorilove Center of Primary Medical and Sanitary Care also continued operating despite the local area being partially occupied by Russian forces.
The Pervomaisk Central City Multidisciplinary Hospital has seen numbers of patients skyrocket as a result of IDPs coming to the area. Meanwhile, in Mykolaiv City, the Mykolaiv Regional Center for Medical Aid and Disaster Medicine has continued operating amid missile attacks.
For the health workers at these five health facilities, the challenges have been immense. Dealing with the security risks of occupation and attacks while also providing treatment and care has put the staff under strain. To make matters worse, the pressure of their roles meant they had few opportunities to attend training sessions to improve their skills, leaving some staff members lacking confidence about their ability to continue treating patients as the war continues.
International Medical Corps conducted a needs assessment at the healthcare facilities and realised that the staff urgently needed training on lifesaving protocols. With support from the European Union, we provided basic life support training for key healthcare workers at the facilities.
Throughout the training, participants learned theoretical skills and had opportunities to practice them to cement their knowledge. For example, they learned cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills and how to apply them to patients of all ages. They roleplayed different scenarios to practice CPR alone and as a team.
Before the training, all participants had completed a pre-training test to demonstrate their existing knowledge. After the training, they completed the same test. Their scores increased significantly, showing the impact of the training. The health workers were grateful to International Medical Corps and the European Union for the opportunity to improve their skills and confidence, enabling them to continue saving lives.
