June 8, 2023
News
The work of Ukrainian firefighters changed overnight after the invasion of Russian troops. Instead of fighting ordinary fires, most of their work now consists of large-scale interventions after the impact of Russian missiles and rockets. Special equipment worth 5 million CZK, provided by Caritas Czech Republic in cooperation with the Czech Fire and Rescue Corps, helps firefighters in Ukraine cope with non-standard interventions.
Firefighters on the front line
Ukrainian firefighters have been on the front line since the invasion of Russian troops started more than a year ago. The way they work and the protocols have changed dramatically. Instead of fighting routine fires, they mainly intervene in emergencies after missile strikes and shelling from Russia. Times of massive bombing and shelling, when many residential buildings are hit at once, bring entirely new challenges and needs. Often difficult decisions have to be made about whom to save first and which places must wait.
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Material equipment is essential to save lives
In order to maximize the capacity of firefighters in Ukraine, it is also necessary to have the necessary equipment. It is the supply of this equipment that we have arranged in cooperation with the Czech Fire Brigade. "Material equipment of Ukrainian firefighters is crucial for the whole country and society," explains Director General Lt. Gen. Ing. Vladimír Vlček from the Czech Fire Rescue Corps. We have supplied protective helmets, suits, gloves and other specialised equipment to Ukraine with a total value of CZK 5 million.
"Thanks to the delivered equipment, we have contributed to protecting the health and lives of those who fight every day to save the lives of many others; the heroes of today's Ukrainian reality who help people from under the rubble and from the windows of burning houses," says Evžen Diviš, Regional Manager of Caritas Czech Republic. The new firefighting equipment is now helping all over Ukraine, especially in regions hard hit by Russian attacks, such as Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. "Humanitarian aid in the form of firefighting equipment we have received from you is very significant for us," said Khrystyna Avdieyeva of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
Long-term assistance and cooperation
The purchase of equipment for Ukrainian firefighters adds to a series of material aid deliveries that Caritas Czech Republic has already sent to the war-stricken country. Also, Caritas' cooperation with Czech firefighters is not unique. Thanks to this cooperation, in the past it was possible, among other things, to train Ukrainian psychologists and social workers to provide psychological crisis intervention to people affected by the war. In addition to delivering material aid, Caritas Czech Republic focuses primarily on helping those displaced from their homes by the war. This is the case in Ukraine, Moldova and the Czech Republic.
