Key Points
- The Ukrainian Red Cross has trained over 450,000 people in first aid.
- Unique scientific methods have been developed for teaching people with visual and hearing impairments and physical disabilities.
- The organization implements the “peer-to-peer” principle by involving people with disabilities as instructors.
- Specialized training manuals in Braille have been published for adults and children.
- Ukraine’s experience with inclusive first aid is presented at international conferences as a leading standard.
The Ukrainian Red Cross presented the results of a unique two-year study proving that anyone can provide first aid and save lives, regardless of physical limitations. The project focuses on inclusivity, adapting training methods for people with visual and hearing impairments and amputations. During this time, instructors have already trained over 450,000 people, including 236 Ukrainians with amputations and another 500 or so with hearing or vision impairments.
The organization’s president, Mykola Polishchuk, emphasized that the experience of four years of full-scale war has confirmed the need for self-help. First-aid teams worked directly near the front lines, where ordinary people often became the only hope for the wounded. A scientific study launched in 2023 enabled the development of specialized protocols for individuals with limb injuries and neurobiological approaches to managing stress in emergency situations.
Nadiya Yamnenko, head of the first aid division at the Ukrainian Red Cross, noted that the main goal is to break down the stigma surrounding the capabilities of people with disabilities. As part of the initiative, Braille manuals have already been published, and peer-to-peer training methods have been implemented, where people with disabilities themselves serve as instructors. This approach not only provides practical skills but also becomes an important element of psychological rehabilitation and social integration.
Collaboration with specialized organizations, particularly UTOOS, has helped experts tailor the training to real-world needs. Participants learn to recognize critical conditions and stop bleeding “by touch.” Currently, Ukrainian practices are generating significant interest on the international stage, as the experience of providing inclusive assistance amid active hostilities is unique worldwide.
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