A group of 26 Czech volunteers embarked today from an undisclosed location near Prague to Ukraine, carrying essential medical equipment such as vacuum mattresses, rescue suitcases, and tourniquets to address the urgent needs of Ukrainian civilians, soldiers, and paramedics in regions including Kherson, Kharkiv, and Donetsk. The volunteer contingent, consisting of 12 vehicles, including seven older ambulances, aims to provide valuable support to Ukrainian medics. The aid, valued between four and five million crowns, was coordinated by Team 4 Ukraine and Let’s Involve Ukraine.
Jan Hermanek, vice-chairman of Team 4 Ukraine, stated that the supplies would be delivered to various destinations, including a children’s home in Vinnitsa, where many war orphans reside, as well as specific units on the frontlines and rescuers in Dnipro. The materials are sourced from donors or acquired through funds raised for specific projects. The ambulances will remain in Ukraine, while their crews will return in accompanying vehicles. The volunteers intentionally opted for older ambulances, believing that they would still be of great use to the local medics. Heřmánek noted, “Instead of purchasing a new ambulance for CZK 1.5 million, it is more sensible to have four or five used ones.”
Let’s Involve Ukraine initiative contributed CZK 1.1 million for the purchase of three ambulances and equipment. The aid includes specialized vacuum mattresses for securing children on large stretchers and rescue suitcases. Martin Ondráček, a representative of the initiative, mentioned their close collaboration with the government, particularly with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, who provide direct guidance on the required supplies for Ukraine.
Among the medical resources being sent to Ukraine are fully functional defibrillators that have been discarded but are still operational. Tourniquets, essential for stopping bleeding, are also part of the aid. Ondřej Černý, a doctor who assisted in loading the medical supplies, explained that tourniquets are crucial for preventing severe blood loss from shrapnel wounds, potentially saving lives within minutes. He praised Ukrainian soldiers for their proficiency in swiftly applying tourniquets in emergency situations.
