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Delivered by the British Army with the support of instructors from the Netherlands and Iceland, 49 members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are taking part in the first tailored UK-led battlefield first aid course.
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The five-week program which covers combat first aid through to pre-hospital care was developed using insights from battlefield combatants, the UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
Having commenced in late May, participants have put their skills to the test in a range of combat scenarios including triaging mass casualties, exfiltrating casualties from vehicles, and evacuating patients under fire.
“This world-class medical training is another fantastic example of how the UK Armed Forces and our international partners are successfully working together to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion,” Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families Andrew Murrison said.
“Our support to Ukraine will continue for as long as it takes; from providing battle-winning training to donating the equipment and ammunition Ukraine urgently needs.”
Second Medical Brigade Captain Phil Williams, director of the medical course, lauded the students for their drive during the training.
“We have a top-class team of medical instructors and we are all humbled and proud at having a part to play in helping Ukraine liberate their homeland from this illegal invasion,” Capt Williams said.
“The Ukrainian students are keen to learn and absolutely dedicated to gaining as many skills as they can before returning home to save life.
“The vast majority have been actively involved on the battlefield and many carry the wounds of war. They are an absolute pleasure to teach, and such is the nature of their recent experience, we learn as much from them as they do from us.”
There are an additional two combat first aid training packages scheduled for delivery.
Details of the UK-led combat course were revealed shortly after 10 Ukrainian military chaplains graduated a two-week course from the Royal Army Chaplain’s Department.
Throughout the course, the chaplains were taught best practice in providing religious and everyday support to Ukrainian personnel, spanning bereavement care to mental health assistance.
As part of the program, the Ukrainian chaplains supported Ukrainian recruits undergoing training in the United Kingdom.
The recruits were taking part in a five-week basic training course covering areas such as weapons handling, battlefield first aid, and field craft.
The British Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the chaplains will deploy to the frontlines to support the morale of Ukrainian troops upon returning home.
