One year ago, war broke out in Ukraine, and the impact on the population has been devastating. Families have been torn apart, homes and businesses destroyed, and necessities such as food and medical care have become scarce. To respond to this tragic humanitarian crisis, MOAS began an emergency medical mission in the country to respond quickly and efficiently to save lives and alleviate human suffering.
The first stage of the mission
In February 2022, MOAS deployed into the Eastern Oblasts with two mobile medical units dedicated to providing primary healthcare services and supporting national health initiatives such as vaccinations and COVID-19 control. The escalation of violence pushed MOAS to send in a uniquely qualified tactical, strategic team made up of an operational lead, medical coordinator, security specialist and logistics fixer. MOAS initially organised a special mission running emergency evacuations for chronically ill children, unable to flee using regular transportation and trapped in areas of heavy shelling. The medical and security specialists organised extractions and tailored medical escorts using evac ambulances. Families from high-risk areas are then moved to places of safety, both nationally and internationally, where they could access the care needed.
The second phase of MOAS’ operations
In the following weeks, MOAS broadened the emergency deployment to support the Ukraine Ministry of Health and WHO in emergency medical response in the field and on the front lines. Therefore, we shifted the initial deployment plan into a comprehensive, national, front-line point of injury and trauma care program that has spanned half a dozen Oblasts. This was achieved with the support of teams of up to 100 tactical medics at a time, operating a fleet of 27 Class C ambulances. So far, MOAS has treated more than 10.000 patients on the front line and over 20.000 people in communities cut off from health infrastructure, while thousands have been triaged. Additional training has been delivered to 10.000 healthcare providers and locals on cutting-edge medical techniques and technologies, to improve the overall health and well-being of the population.
How we operate
MOAS coordinates with relevant stakeholders to deploy tactical medics, strategic logisticians, and a battery of supplies and equipment directly to the front lines. It is here that MOAS medics are working daily to save lives and treat patients with trauma injuries caused by artillery fire, small arms, rocket systems, shrapnel, and different battlefield injuries.
Where?
During our operations, we have worked across the country throughout the most affected regions such as the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Vinnytsia and Kyiv oblasts.
MOAS fleet of ambulances
Class C, which are the most advanced type of ambulances, have different specifications and capacities, supplies and equipment, which are allocated to activities depending on the needs of specific clinical and environmental context. The ambulances are equipped with portable medical supplies, stocks of pharmaceuticals and state-of-the-art equipment that allows our teams to provide basic and advanced life support, transport and triage. Each ambulance is manned by two licenced medical personnel and a driver. As many patients as possible are triaged, treated and released, but the most critical and high-risk cases are transported to the nearest medical facilities for further intervention.
So far, MOAS has treated more than 10.000 patients on the front line and over 20.000 people in communities cut off from health infrastructure, while thousands have been triaged. Additional training has been delivered to 10.000 healthcare providers and locals on cutting-edge medical techniques and technologies, to improve the overall health and well-being of the population.
The Mobile Medical Unit (MMU)
MOAS also runs a Primary Health Unit (PHU) in communities cut off from health services. The vehicle is lent to MOAS by the Ronald McDonald House Charity (Latvia) for the duration of the mission in the country.
MOAS staff stocks and manages the MMU’s activities, coordinating its visiting schedule and liaising with relevant authorities and stakeholders to facilitate maximum impact in affected areas.
- The MMU can provide up to 100 primary healthcare consultations per day, reaching those in communities who have been cut off from clinics, GPs, pharmacies and health centres for months at a time.
- The unit currently has a rotation of 4 Ukrainian speaking medics and has treated more than twenty thousand patients in the Oblasts of Kyiv and Chernihiv.
- The MMU is a diesel fuel, 3-phase vehicle. Built as a mobile medical emergency and diagnostic truck with heating/cooling, sliding walls for expansion of clinical spaces when stationary, encompassing a doctors’ office, kitchenette, lounge area, toilet, generator, 3 phase electric cable, fresh water tank, grey water tank, automatic awning and load levelling system.
“I am incredibly proud of the life-saving work we have accomplished through our medical mission in Ukraine. Our team of dedicated doctors, nurses, and support staff have been working tirelessly on the front lines of the ongoing conflict, providing vital medical care and assistance to those in need. But the impact of our work goes beyond just treating physical injuries and illnesses. We have also brought hope and a sense of humanity to a population that has been deeply affected by the conflict. We have seen firsthand the difference that our work is making in the lives of individuals and communities and its impact on their ability to rebuild and recover. It is a humbling and profoundly moving experience to be a part of this work, and I am constantly inspired by the resilience and determination of the people we serve. I am grateful for the support of our donors and partners, without whom this work would not be possible. Together, we will continue our mission to make a real difference in the lives of the people of Ukraine. I am honoured to be part of that effort”.
Christopher Catrambone, MOAS founder and Head of the Ukraine mission.
“As a doctor operating on the front line in Ukraine, I have been providing medical assistance to those in need, including treating injuries and saving as many lives as possible. It is challenging and demanding work, but I am deeply committed to this mission and proud to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many people. Our goal is not only to give an immediate relief to those in need but also to help build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system that can continue to serve the people of Ukraine long after the conflict is over. I will continue to work tirelessly with MOAS to save lives and improve the health and well-being of Ukrainians.”
Ivan, a tactical doctor member of the #MOASMissionUkraine.