Empowering Ukraine’s Heroes with Emergency Response Medical Training

Published: September 5, 2024   

In times of crisis, having the right skills can mean the difference between life and death. At Razom for Ukraine, we believe that everyone should be prepared to act in emergencies, which is why we’ve provided our emergency response medical training program to the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine.

These professionals frequently operate in high-risk areas — whether documenting war crimes, working at missile strike sites, or combatting criminal activities in hot zones. Their work is essential, but it also places them in dangerous situations where immediate action is often required.

Training for Real-World Scenarios

Our training began with a focus on the specific challenges these staff members face. Over three days, they received both theoretical and hands-on instruction, learning essential emergency procedures. The final day involved realistic simulations, during which participants practiced their new skills under stress-inducing conditions, closely mirroring the scenarios they might encounter in the field.

While this three-day course provided a solid foundation, it’s just the beginning. Many participants expressed a desire for further training, recognizing the importance of ongoing education in lifesaving skills. We plan to expand this program to reach even more staff members, particularly those working in frontline areas.

Making a Difference, Together

At Razom for Ukraine, we are proud to support those who play a critical role in the fight for justice and freedom. By equipping Ukrainians with these priceless skills, we aim to make their work safer and empower them to continue serving their country with confidence.

We wish that there wasn’t a need for this kind of preparation but in the event that it must be utilized, we are proud to have contributed to the safety and well-being of these brave individuals. Together, we are making a difference. 

Thank you for supporting Razom!

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Razom Participated in the First International Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health

Published: July 31, 2024   

The First International Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health, titled “Warrior: Life. Health. Combat Readiness,” was a pivotal moment for Ukraine. Held in Kyiv on July 27, 2024, the event brought together a distinguished assembly of Ukrainian and international experts in healthcare, rehabilitation, mental health, and military medicine.

 

Among the attendees were key government figures, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, First Lady Olena Zelenska, Head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, Minister of Health Viktor Liashko, Ukrainian parliamentarians, diplomats, military personnel, representatives of specialized medical centers, public organizations, and charitable foundations.

 

Razom for Ukraine was honored to participate in this critical congress. Our team, led by CEO Dora Chomiak, CFO Oksana Falenchuk, and Executive Director Evelina Kurilets, actively participated in the event.

The congress delved deeply into the pressing issues facing Ukraine’s military and its personnel: physical and psychological health, rehabilitation, field medicine, and innovative solutions. Participants shared their experiences and expertise, fostering a collaborative environment to address these challenges.

 

Since the outset of the full-scale Russian invasion, Razom has been steadfast in its commitment to saving lives. “Razom has already purchased and delivered over 150,000 tactical first aid kits and over 3,500 medic backpacks to frontline areas. We have also created our own teams of instructors who conduct medical training for service-members and first responders. All of this is done with one goal in mind – to save lives, which is the most valuable thing,” shared Taras Hatalyak, Head of Razom Heroes program.

 

To further support first responders and civilians, Razom organized a hands-on workshop at the congress, teaching participants essential life-saving skills like applying tourniquets and packing wounds. Our experienced instructors shared their knowledge, empowering attendees with practical skills to make a difference.

Beyond addressing immediate medical needs, Razom is committed to supporting long-term recovery efforts. At the congress, during a meeting of the Interagency Working Group on the implementation of a pilot project aimed at reforming rehabilitation in the healthcare sector for military personnel, Oleksii Zakharchenko, Razom’s Communications Director in Ukraine, introduced the “Ukraine Rehabilitation Platform” project. This initiative is being carried out by Razom with support from SAP Ukraine. The online platform, accessible at rehabukraine.com, offers comprehensive information on over 415 rehabilitation centers throughout Ukraine. By mapping these centers, we strive to simplify the process of finding appropriate care and ensuring access to essential rehabilitation services.

 

The First International Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health was a significant step forward in improving the lives of Ukrainian service-members and veterans. Razom for Ukraine remains committed to supporting their physical and mental well-being, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure they have the resources and support they need.

Razom, with the support of Howard G. Buffett Foundation’s $1.6M Grant, Enhances Ukrzaliznytsia’s Emergency Response Capabilities

Published: June 5, 2024   

Last month, Razom proudly announced a $1,620,000 grant from Howard G. Buffett Foundation to support the Razom Heroes emergency medicine program. This partnership aims to significantly boost Ukraine’s emergency medical response, particularly focusing on Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways).

This initiative includes 32 training sessions planned for May and June 2024, aiming to equip 700 Ukrzaliznytsia staff – including train managers, conductors, station personnel, and even administrative workers – with critical first-aid skills. To further support their emergency response capabilities, 700 individual first-aid kits and 100 advanced rescue kits will be distributed. 

With 9 training sessions already completed and 172 participants trained, this program is making a significant impact on Ukrzaliznytsia’s ability to provide timely and effective medical care during emergencies.

Razom remains steadfast in its mission to support Ukraine’s emergency response capabilities. The grant and the support from Howard G. Buffett Foundation is crucial in making a significant impact. Together, we are enhancing the ability of Ukraine’s first responders to save lives and provide critical support during emergencies. Thank you for your unwavering support of Ukraine and helping us make a difference!

Every Second Counts: Razom’s Medical Backpacks Equip Ukrainian Heroes

Published: May 8, 2024   

Ukraine’s fight for freedom continues. Since the full-scale invasion began, Razom has been providing critical humanitarian relief to first responders and frontline medics. We adapt our efforts to address the most urgent needs as they evolve.

In March 2023, Razom Heroes saw a need for better medical backpacks so we listened to frontline medics’ who shared their experiences and feedback highlighting the need for practical and efficient solutions.

Research and Development

We engaged with medics with first hand experience using medical backpacks on the frontlines. We gathered their feedback on what needed to be changed, added, or improved, including the ideal backpack format, weight, and contents.

Committed to supporting Ukrainian production, Razom sourced top-quality packs and medical equipment made in Ukraine. This decision not only ensured quality but also strengthened the domestic market.

We created two sizes: a 16-liter and a 23-liter “Medical Backpack for and Rescuers” and a 23-liter Through collaboration with partner organization BF “PULSE,” we refined the design and developed standardized kits adhering to Tactical Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines. 

Our backpacks are proudly manufactured in Lviv using genuine Cordura 500D material with a polyurethane coating. Thanks to our dedicated team, we source proven Ukrainian-made medical components, which are then efficiently assembled at our warehouse.

Razom’s medical backpacks are packed with modern equipment and supplies for critical medical procedures, including hemorrhage control and stabilizing damaged organs. Beyond the packs themselves, Razom conducts two-week tactical medicine courses that play a crucial role in preparing medics on the proper use of this life-saving equipment to provide essential and critical care.

Together, We Make a Difference

Razom Heroes are dedicated not only to providing medical backpacks, but also to ensuring they are equipped with the best supplies and that medics are trained to use them effectively. 

By supporting Razom, you join us in saving lives and helping Ukraine overcome this immense challenge. ❤️

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Heroes Program!

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Razom is honored to announce a $1,620,000 grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation

Published: May 7, 2024   

Razom is honored to announce a $1,620,000 grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to support the Razom Heroes emergency medicine program. 

“Russia’s full-scale invasion has targeted Ukraine’s critical infrastructure  while deliberately killing and injuring thousands of civilians and  regularly overwhelming Ukraine’s emergency response capabilities. Our  partnership with Razom is designed to expand Ukraine’s emergency medical response capacity by delivering medical supplies and training to Ukraine’s civilian first-responders and essential workers.” – Howard G. Buffett, the Foundation’s Chairman and CEO  

Established in 1999, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation has invested more than $600 million in  Ukraine since the Russian full-scale invasion in 2022 to address the largest  humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II. The Foundation’s support has been instrumental to sustaining Ukraine’s agricultural sector, building Ukraine’s capacity for demining, and rebuilding strategic infrastructure.  

The Foundation’s grant to Razom will facilitate the delivery of 5,000 Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs), supplies and staff training for Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) and Ukraine’s State Emergency Services. 

In 2023, Razom Heroes made over 1,700 individual deliveries of supplies to end-users  across Ukraine, including distributing over 40,000 IFAKs. Teaming up with the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, Razom facilitated week-long basic medical training for some 2,000  civilian leaders across Ukraine including educators, civil society leaders, local government employees, and medical students. 

Razom is a leading U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to offering humanitarian aid and  delivering programs and services that prioritize health, education, and civil society in Ukraine. Additionally, Razom advocates for Ukraine and fosters the sharing of Ukrainian culture in America.

Razom Presents Stabnet: The First Mobile Stabilization Points for Frontline Medics

Published: February 28, 2024   

The mobile stabilization container, Stabnet, aims to help save severely wounded individuals on the front lines. Medical brigades estimate that 50% of those wounded cannot be saved due to delayed evacuation and lack of proper facilities. Stabnet aims to provide frontline medical assistance by offering a compact, autonomous solution.

 

“The idea arose during volunteer trips providing ambulances and equipment,” said French volunteer Damien Arri-Maren. “The design borrows from existing mobile units and can be quickly delivered by a pickup truck, saving crucial time.”

“Our goal is to offer swift aid,” Evelina Kurilets, Executive Director of Razom in Ukraine, shared. Colonel Oleksandr Tomak added that our heroes often receive care in unsuitable conditions, highlighting the need for a network of these containers.

 

“Distance between the battlefield and stabilization points is significant, leading to longer evacuation times and, unfortunately, preventable losses,” Tomak noted. “Prompt and proper care can also reduce amputations from infections.”

The first pilot container was supported by Razom. Developers consulted with medical brigades during development. The container offers autonomous operation through water tanks and generators and features a full suite of essential medical equipment for emergency stabilization.

 

“We have equipment for oxygenation, intubation, ventilation, defibrillation, vital signs monitoring, ultrasounds, and bleeding control,” explained surgeon Captain Lyudmila Sakali. “Additionally, there’s a sterilizer, sink, and refrigerator for medicines and blood products.”

After testing in real combat conditions, the container will return for adjustments and further development. The goal is to create a network of 100 Stabnet units across the front line, effectively addressing the issue of losing wounded heroes during evacuation.

We invite you to learn more and support Razom’s Heroes Program!

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Anton Ptushkin and Razom Heroes Host Fundraiser for Mobile Shower Units

Published: August 9, 2023   

Razom together with the famous Ukrainian travel blogger Anton Ptushkin, held a fundraiser in the United States to purchase 10 mobile bath and laundry complexes for the defenders of Ukraine on the front lines.

The fundraiser included two charity meetings with Anton Ptushkin in New York, which drew over 300 attendees, as well as an online auction where people could purchase valuable commemorative items to support the defenders of Ukraine.

 

 

Some of the items up for auction included:

  • A flag with the signatures of three Ukrainian generals — Zaluzhny, Syrsky, and Pavlyuk — which sold for $6,900.
  • A copy of Time magazine with Valery Zaluzhny on the cover and his autograph, which sold for $5,600.
  • A baseball bat signed by members of the New York Yankees baseball team, which sold for $3,700.
  • A bracelet with the “Azovstal” logo and the signature of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, which sold for $2,600.
  • Chevrons with the image of Patron the Dog, the hero dog who helped detect landmines in Ukraine, which sold for $3,700.
 

 

“Before I came to the United States, I tried to raise funds for one bath and laundry complex through my social media in Ukraine,” said Anton Ptushkin. “I was surprised to raise the money we needed in just two hours, and I raised the money for the second complex just within a day. This showed me that Ukrainians are willing to donate to humanitarian items for the military. However, people in Ukraine are also willing to donate to weapons and drones, while American people are more cautious about donating to these things and prefer to donate to humanitarian items. This is why I decided to try to raise money for mobile bath and laundry complexes in the United States. We did our first fundraiser and it was a success, so we decided to continue.”

Ptushkin also said that he chose New York as the starting point for the fundraiser because there is a large Ukrainian diaspora in the city. Jason Birchard, an owner of famous New York restaurant Veselka, generously donated $20,000 from his Stand With Ukraine Fund to the event.

Overall, the fundraiser raised $200,000, which will be used to purchase 10 mobile bath and laundry complexes. The showers are currently being manufactured near Kyiv and will soon be delivered to the front lines.

 

 

“It’s great to see that people from all over the world are coming together to support Ukraine,” said Olya Yarichkivska, one of the founders of the Razom foundation and the head of the Razom Heroes program in the United States. 

“The money raised from this fundraiser will provide our defenders with much-needed bathing and laundry facilities, which are essential in this hot weather. We will continue to do everything we can to support Ukraine and its defenders.” 

The Razom Heroes program is one of the many initiatives of the Razom foundation and the “Together for Ukraine” non-profit  that are providing vital assistance to the defenders of Ukraine. 

The program has already provided the frontline with over 130,000 tactical first aid kits, 3,000 combat medic backpacks, 100 pickup trucks/evacuation vehicles, 2,000 drones, walkie-talkies, repeaters, generators, starlinks, and other essential items for victory.

 

Delivering Warm Jackets for the Emergency Service of Ukraine Thanks to Senator King

Published: May 9, 2023   

The teams at the Emergency Service of Ukraine (ДСНС України) can now do their life-saving work equipped with high-quality, warm LL Bean jackets thanks to a generous donation facilitated by Senator Angus S. King, Jr. of Maine and Razom for Ukraine.

Over 150 winter and all-weather jackets were hand-delivered by the Executive Director of Razom in Ukraine, Evelina Kurilets. Eva handed over all the jackets to Ukraine’s Head of the State Emergency Service, Serhiy Kruk. Mr. Kruk assured that the jackets would be immediately distributed to different regions of Ukraine with the priority of securing the jackets for Emergency Service workers involved in the demining of territories, dismantling of debris after rocket attacks, and extinguishing fires.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine is one of the most extensive services in Ukraine regarding the number of employees. Its specialists perform a colossal volume of work, which has only increased since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The Service and its heroic employees work in any extreme weather conditions. Among numerous critical tasks performed daily, the Service teams extinguish fires, clear debris after shelling of civilian infrastructure, demine territories, conduct rescue operations, and combat natural disasters.

Ukraine is currently the most mined country on the planet; about 40% of the territory is mined and poses a life-threatening danger to civilians first and foremost, so the State Emergency Service of Ukraine constantly needs unique clothing for people who are involved in the process of clearing the territories from mines.

The leadership and staff of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine expressed their sincere gratitude to Senator Angus S. King, Jr. and L.L.Bean for such critical assistance and to the Razom team for delivering this much-needed aid.

Learn more about the ways Razom helps the first responders in Ukraine within our project Razom Heroes.