Donetsk Paramedics Update
Late March of this year, the Donetsk paramedics reached out asking for 3 things: more training and help getting certifications, more supplies, and vehicles for medical evacuations. They report that they are down to 1 ambulance which on the rough, shelled roads takes about 1 hour to transport injured to help. They did have another vehicle but it was hit directly during a recent shelling. We began to work towards this goal immediately!
We had no idea how we would make this all happen, however one night I received a call from a potential donor and the next day they funded enough for us to purchase 2 vehicles and more medical supplies! Words cannot even describe our gratitude to the Dell Loy Hansen Family Foundation for their extremely generous contribution that made this all possible. Not only do we appreciate their financial support, they were also able to provide contacts to arrange purchase and delivery of one vehicle which is on its way to Donetsk right now. They are very genuine and incredible people who care deeply about helping the people of Ukraine, and are so personally involved.
The second vehicle is in Poland being outfitted for medical evacuation missions on the rough roads (or off them!) In a few days I will leave for Poland, fill it with our medical supplies, and drive to Donetsk. While there I will be teaching the trauma skills requested by the local paramedics. Many supplies were purchased thanks to the Dell Loy Hansen Family Foundation, but also thanks to volunteers from our prior training trip to Donetsk. Huge thank you to Rick Howard who has gathered and provided so many medical donations, as well as his personal time and expertise. Thank you so much to West Valley City Paramedics Marcie Mehl and Brandon Howard for your continued time, expertise, and incredible medical donations. We could not have done this without them! I look forward to working with these individuals more as we coordinate to provide medical certifications and training to the paramedics in Donetsk.
