A team of seven Irish medics and advanced paramedics have been providing training in emergency care to Ukrainians who are on the frontline of the war.
The UCD Trauma Project (UCD UTP) was set up in the university's Centre for Medical Emergency Medical Science by its director Professor Gerry Bury in response to a request from the Ukrainian authorities.
Seven Irish medics and advanced paramedics travelled from Dublin including Independent TD Cathal Berry, a medical doctor and former deputy commander of the Army Ranger Wing, as well as a Ukrainian academic and translator who is resident in Ireland.
Professor Chris Fitzpatrick, vice chair of the UCD Ukraine Trauma Project Steering Group, told BreakingNews.ie that four of the training courses have taken place in Ukraine so far.
The project is supported by UCD, the HSE, the Department of Health and other bodies.
The most recent two courses took place in Kyiv last week - a total of 105 medics and paramedics completed the two-day intensive ‘train the trainer’ course which included skills and drills, assignments, and evaluations; those attending the course were also supplied with essential equipment and drugs.
In between training courses, follow-up supplies have been sent to those who have undergone this specialised training. Anatomy models, 3-D printed in UCD, were used during the course and were also provided to Ukrainian trainers.
A further consignment will be sent in December to those who have attended the most recent courses. Preparations are also underway to provide more courses in early 2024 as requested.
Prof Fitzpatrick said: “I would like to particularly acknowledge the support of Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly."
On Thursday, Russia unleashed a wave of nighttime drone and missile attacks across 10 of Ukraine’s 24 regions, Ukrainian authorities said, as they prepare for another winter of infrastructure bombardment by the Kremlin’s forces.
“We understand that as winter approaches, Russian terrorists will attempt to cause more harm,” Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram after the attacks.
