Testing The Water in The Ukrainian Ocean of Needs
We arrived into Poland safe and sound. We were driving in Ukraine under the same sky, same moon shining, stars sparkling as in other parts of the world. However, this is a different land. A land of conflict and war.
After we crossed the border into Ukraine, went through 6 security road blockages and a police checkpoint until we reached our destination in Western Ukraine. I was able to bring extra suitcases. Mostly rehabilitation equipment and medical supplies. The local therapists here have been overjoyed to receive the equipment and l’m teaching them how to use it. This opens up many more opportunities for them to help the people that they work with (they offer free services year round to people with disabilities in the community, especially those of low income). I already have a number of opportunities visiting patients at a hospital, outpatient rehab clinics and in their homes.
My cousin, Mark, and I had spent time at the retreat center for people with disabilities for the first several days. Mark is providing caregiving and supporting the people with disabilities, including setting up technology for the retreat center. This retreat center is providing lodging, food and hygiene/medical needs. Due to the recent conflict, refugees have been displaced as their homes have been destroyed or simply no longer safe to live in. Some people here have come for refuge and respite for two weeks. It is a place of peace with a loving atmosphere.
On Friday, we visited a municipal hospital in a nearby city. They have been receiving numerous wounded soldiers. This hospital was full, along with all the other hospitals that receive hundreds of wounded soldiers each day. I met one soldier who came under fire in the last two weeks. There are so many soldiers and regular civilians that have been under fire- artillery explosions and shrapnel. Some of the soldiers and civilians have lost some parts of their hands and legs. The road to their recovery ahead is long. Unfortunately, not all of them make it and one passed away the next day.
We felt fairly safe in the village where the retreat/rehab center for disabilities is located (Western Ukraine). However, the road blockades, air raid sirens, tank traps and people’s first hand accounts speak a different story. The other day, I spoke with a young mom who hid with her family in the town of Irpin at the start of war. She lived on the 14th floor apartment building in Kyiv (capital of Ukraine) and thought it would be safer to stay at a family member’s basement in Irpin. Only to learn soon afterward that it was one of the most dangerous areas and was being occupied by Russian forces. Thankfully, she and her children survived.
On Monday, I left for various cities throughout Ukraine. I am visiting people with disabilities and the wounded at clinics and hospitals. As well as making connections with organizations, medical personnel and volunteers. I am assessing the needs of people with disabilities in Ukraine. Working with those who had disabilities prior to the war and those with newly acquired injuries as a result of this devastating war. In addition, I will be educating local surgeons, nurses and therapists on limb wrapping techniques for those who have undergone amputations.
Some needs I have learned of thus far include:
-durable medical equipment (commode chairs, shower chairs, tub benches)
-prosthetics for those that lost limbs
-tourniquets
-antifibrinolytic agents/medications
-wound vacuum devices
-high level pain medications
-muscle relaxants
-wheelchairs of various sizes
-specialized wheelchair cushions (to reduce risk of pressure ulcers)
-hospital transport beds on wheels
-canes (hemi, quad)
-walkers
Lastly, the medical professionals have stated that there’s a huge need for prosthetists (to help people after amputations) and plastic surgeons (to graft and restore injured parts of the body for victims of war).
I will keep updating you on my trip. I am grateful for the opportunity to help and serve the vulnerable population here.
With warm regards,
Alina Tupchyk
