"First Aiders in War as Volunteers"

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What do you know about first aiders in war zones?

In times of conflict, it is first aiders who make a difference in saving lives. They could be active in the military, work as volunteers or be civilians equipped for emergency care. They are responsible for wound treatment, controlling bleeding, administering CPR and making patients stable until they reach the hospital. They regularly respond in stressful conditions and have to manage using little to no equipment.

A first aider should act immediately, particularly in emergencies involving many casualties and treat each individual equally, whether they are a war participant or not. Some are helped by charities like the Red Cross or Doctors Without Borders. There are instances where international regulations do not help save them from becoming the targets of attacks. Medical workers deal with difficult situations, both physically and emotionally, since they often encounter the impacts of war as they try to help many people.

Why do people volunteer in such dangerous situations?

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Individuals participate in dangerous places like war zones out of a variety of reasons. There are many people who are inspired by a strong drive to support and assist those who are in grave need. They are committed to helping people and providing support wherever necessary. There are those who feel a sense of duty and others are motivated by having family or friends involved. It’s also possible to help in a valuable way, since lives can be on the line in many situations. Those working in medicine get a chance to practice their abilities when it is most needed. Though the dangers are real, most activists believe they are more important than the fears. Many times, these individuals prove they are courageous, caring and selfless when danger surrounds them.

What kind of challenges and risks do these volunteers face?

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Working in war zones exposes volunteers to diverse risks and many challenges. Bombings, shootings and involving others in gunfights are the leading threats to physical integrity, thus the biggest danger. Because they have limited tools, unpleasant conditions and use makeshift facilities, it becomes challenging to help patients. They commonly deal with many hours of work, extreme exhaustion and stressful situations as they witness various injuries, deaths and pain.

Problems with erecting tall buildings arise from the challenges of reaching services and the constant changes in infrastructure. Burnout, PTSD and anxiety can result from frequent exposure to difficult and traumatic situations. Volunteers’ lives are sometimes at risk, as such they often must make difficult decisions about who to help as soon as possible. In spite of all these problems, many remain dedicated and continue to help save people out of compassion.

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