First Aid by the Ukrainian Red Cross: The Biggest Achievements During Three Years of Full-Scale Invasion

Accessibility and Adaptability of Training Programmes

“In 2022, we faced new challenges — not everyone had access to the knowledge needed to help themselves or others in life-threatening situations,” shares Nadiia Yamnenko, International Master First Aid Trainer and Head of the First Aid Department at the Ukrainian Red Cross.

“The cities and villages were under temporary occupation, the danger was growing, and we had to think about how to provide people with crucial information. We came up with the idea of creating a First Aid Telegram channel and a series of videos on YouTube. Of course, this theoretical information could not replace practical skills, but at least people had — and still have — clear guidelines for dealing with injuries, burns, and more. This was already a significant step, as people received reliable information based on a certified first aid programme.”

Since 24 February 2022, 308,000 people have been trained in first aid by a team of Ukrainian Red Cross instructors and trainers.

Additionally, over the past three years, the first aid programme has been adapted to the challenges faced by Ukraine. For example, at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, people were educated on first aid for poisoning or medicine overdoses, how to recognise low or high blood sugar in individuals with diabetes, and how to assist elderly people who were injured at home. Later, unfortunately, the topics of first aid for mine-blast injuries, prolonged compression syndrome, and bleeding control using specialised equipment like tourniquets became increasingly relevant. When the emergency power cuts began, we started educating people on how to avoid hypothermia, frostbite, and burns.

“First aid is a skill that is needed here and now. Understanding this, my team and I adapt the training programmes to the circumstances in which we live,” says Nadiia.

First Aid Telegram Channel – here.
Website with Materials – here.
YouTube Channel – here.

All-Ukrainian National Record for First Aid

189 first aid volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross, medical students, and first responders from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine simultaneously performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 3 minutes. This simulation took place during the first year of the full-scale invasion in Kamianets-Podilskyi and set a record that was entered into the National Register of Records of Ukraine.

“The largest simultaneous simulation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation — this record is an achievement not only for our team, but for the whole of Ukraine. Its importance and relevance are hard to overestimate. It demonstrated that Ukrainians are ready to learn and acquire knowledge that can save lives anywhere in the country,” says Nadiia Yamnenko.

Video of the Record – here.

First Book on First Aid in Ukraine Written in Braille

“One of the priorities of our department is to develop inclusive programmes,” says Nadiia. “The Braille First Aid Handbook, developed by our team, is a unique publication from the Ukrainian Red Cross. The book provides an opportunity to expand access to knowledge for visually impaired individuals.”

The Braille book was presented in September 2023, and in December 2024, the team introduced the Braille First Aid Handbook for Children. As a result, both adults and children with visual impairments can now learn first aid.

Barrier-Free Approach: Developing Recommendations Adapted to the Needs of People with Physical Disabilities

The Ukrainian Red Cross is the first in the world to develop a unique methodology for teaching and adapting first aid techniques for people with physical disabilities, using a research-based approach.

“The uniqueness of the methodology lies in its focus on adapting first aid skills to the physical capabilities of people with disabilities, including those who have lost limbs due to hostilities,” noted Nadiia. “It enables them not only to learn first aid effectively but also to teach others. For us, this is a significant step towards integration and equality.”

The development and implementation of this methodology will help create a stronger, more inclusive society where everyone can contribute.

First Aid for Pets

“Pets are our family. It is hard to imagine how anyone could leave their pet under fire. People were fleeing with their pets, who were just as stressed by the changes as the people themselves. The circumstances prompted us to develop a programme to teach people how to provide first aid to pets. Since April 2023, we have been successfully implementing this programme in both our online and offline training sessions,” stated Nadiia.

First Aid for Pets is a unique, comprehensive programme developed by the Ukrainian Red Cross for the first time in the world. This training consists of 8 modules, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bleeding control, help with choking, and more. It aims to teach pet owners how to respond appropriately in critical situations and provide the necessary assistance before reaching a veterinary clinic.

Learn more about Pet First Aid training — here.