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With support from Norwegian donors, Fritt Ukraina has delivered new medical equipment that enables Ukrainian special forces medics to expand their ability to perform life-saving blood transfusions close to the front line.
The delivery supports the 4th Special Operations Forces Regiment in scaling up its prehospital blood transfusion program. Earlier, medical personnel from the regiment completed specialized training with the Ukrainian organization PULSE and received initial equipment to begin implementing blood transfusions in field conditions.
Now, the regiment thanks for the support from Fritt Ukraina and the generous people of Norway, additional high-quality equipment has been delivered to scale up the Rangers’ blood program even further.
Equipment for life-saving treatment in the field
The unit received a range of equipment required to conduct blood transfusions outside hospital settings. The delivery includes a blood storage and transport refrigerator, MEQU blood warmers, Eldon blood typing cards, intraosseous (IO) devices and other essential consumables.
Portable blood storage and warming systems make it possible to safely store blood and heat it to near body temperature before transfusion, a critical requirement when treating trauma patients in extreme environments.
Intraosseous (IO) fluid administration means delivering fluids or medication directly into the bone marrow instead of into a vein.
The bone marrow has a rich blood supply, and substances administered there quickly enter the circulation. This method is used when it is difficult to establish intravenous access, for example in cases of severe injury or shock. A small medical drill is often used to correctly place the needle, usually in the tibia (the shinbone).
It is a fast and reliable emergency solution when traditional access is not possible.
Such equipment enables medics to start transfusions much earlier, often at forward stabilization points or during evacuation, long before the patient reaches a hospital.
“They fight with ten times the fury”
Severe blood loss is one of the leading causes of death among wounded soldiers. The ability to administer whole blood quickly is therefore one of the most effective interventions in cases of hemorrhagic shock.
Field transfusions can stabilize critically wounded patients and bridge the crucial time between injury and surgical care. In the conditions of modern warfare, where evacuation may take hours, this capability can make the difference between life and death.
The training and equipment provided through PULSE aim to equip frontline units with the skills and tools needed to perform advanced life-saving treatment under demanding conditions. The organization trains soldiers in tactical medicine, including bleeding control, airway management and blood transfusion in the field.
Natalia Antonia Golis, director of Fritt Ukraina, notes that the impact of professional battlefield medics extends beyond saving lives.
She recalls a conversation with the chief surgeon of a Ukrainian special operations unit on the front lines, and emphasizes what it revealed about the impact of advanced medical support:
“This is not just saving lives. Knowing they have such high-quality professional medics on call, they fight with ten times the fury.”
Norwegian support saves lives
Fritt Ukraina’s support is made possible through donations from individuals and organizations in Norway who contribute to strengthening life-saving medical capabilities for Ukrainian forces.
By helping frontline units implement prehospital blood transfusion programs, the organization enables medics to deliver advanced trauma care where it is needed most — close to the battlefield.
“We sincerely thank Fritt Ukraina for their support, and the military medics for their dedication and the lives they save,” representatives involved in the program said.
The donor for this delivery is Sparebanken Norge.
See also: New blood transfusion equipment saves lives on the front line