*** To donate to this project, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/build-a-specialised-4x4-ambulance-for-ukraine ***
Blessing a vehicle
The blessing of a vehicle that will be used in Ukraine.
Michal Harasimiuk used to live in Mutley and recently paid a visit to Plympton Rotary to update the group on his efforts to support in Ukraine. Almost two years on from Russia’s initial invasion, Michal works tirelessly to help provide ambulances for Ukrainians and reminds us not to forget the ongoing conflict.
The breakout of war
When war broke out in Ukraine in February 2022, Michal happened to be in Poland for a couple of months. His natural instinct, like many others, was to support the innocent victims of war.
“I began by ferrying people off the border to safer places, including my own home,” explains Michal. “Women, children, elderly... Many travelled for 60 hours without sleep, with very little food. They queued for days on the other side of the border in double digit negative temperatures. They desperately needed help. When one sees it first hand, one becomes a pacifist very quickly.”
The ambulance programme
It was clear that Ukrainians were in need of medical assistance on the ground. Sharing a vision to deliver aid, Michal joined forces with Jordan Searle, an Ex British Army medic and Canadian Paramedic, and a specialist team of British and Canadian paramedics.
Jordan had already delivered three ambulances in literally the first weeks of the war – it was an epic effort, with over 50k Canadian dollars raised in less than two weeks. They decided to team up to deliver four more ambulances and clinical equipment.
“We were able to raise funds, which by then became very difficult, and get four vehicles to the front line,” explains Michal. “The medical team driving the ambulances (Jordan, Alex, Danny and Jason) spent a month on the front line; the equipment and cars we delivered were like gold dust. They saved lives, period. The team also trained the soldiers in first aid, ferried patients from triage centres to larger hospitals, helped refugees... It was a harrowing experience for them, despite having seen combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
The continuation of work
It was obvious from the onset that the work the team started will need to be ongoing.
Michal continues: “Most likely, the original ambulances we delivered are no longer in use, lost in the fog of war. With the onset of winter, and the continued Ukrainian offensive, the need for these specialist ambulances is stronger than ever.
“The projects require a lot of ongoing dedication from everyone; the best part is the wonderful people one randomly meets along the way. For me, these include Alex and Irena. Alex, a Ukrainian living in Wales, has boundless energy and enthusiasm and has opened funding streams from the Ukrainian charities. Irena is based in Ukraine and tirelessly fundraises in Ukraine and Poland.
“By the time we all stopped to take stock of what we had supplied, we must have already sent around 80 cars to the war zone – sending 4x4 pickup trucks and ambulances, but also generators and general supplies.”
The effort was supported by our local Plympton Rotary, which donated funds to purchase vehicles for conversion into ambulances and to secure the necessary medical equipment for onboard. Michal has also donated his own money to the cause.
“The problem we have now is that while for the second tour we were able to purchase Nissan Patrol and Mitsubishi Shogun specialist ambulances, their supply has completely dried up, or the prices are prohibitive,” continues Michal.
“We need the vehicles to be 4x4 rather than traditional ambulances as they are covering rough terrain and may be subjected to bombardment. This leaves us with no other option than to build our own. The ambulances will have to carry the basic life-saving equipment to keep the wounded alive whilst they are transferred to a field hospital, where life-threatening injuries can be treated. This includes heart and oxygen level monitors, defibrillators and the necessary consumables. The final commissioning and certification will be done by the Ukrainian side.”
Still in need
The team is currently fundraising again and is looking to purchase a donor vehicle and the medical equipment.
“A lot of quality medical equipment can be purchased on eBay, but not all. The weight of the stretcher is important,” says Michal. “We could get something cheaper, but people on the ground need to move quickly and it has got to be lightweight. It would be great if we do not need to compromise there. I’ve invested more of my own money and we estimate that this time we need to raise another £2-2.5k. Our plea is to please support us if you can. If we are lucky enough to exceed the target, we will of course put those funds to good use.
“As you plan for Christmas and the New Year, remember that the second anniversary of the invasion is approaching. People have lost everything – their families, their homes… And they are getting injured, in need of medical help. Please, don’t forget Ukraine…”
Donations
To donate to this project, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/build-a-specialised-4x4-ambulance-for-ukraine