Three Brigades of the OC South Trained and Equipped for Blood Transfusions

Three brigades of the Southern Operational Command (OC "South") have received all necessary equipment to implement blood transfusion procedures: refrigerators, warmers, donor-to-patient transfusion kits, and more. Thirty-six military medics from these brigades, who will perform hemotransfusion at the prehospital stage (stabilization points), have undergone specialized training. This was made possible through a large-scale project by the PULSE Charitable Foundation, which develops tactical medicine with the support of Vodafone Ukraine.

From now on, three stabilization points of OC  "South" are equipped with:

• Military CSAFE blood storage refrigerators, each capable of holding 40 units of blood and operating without external power for up to 48 hours;

• MEQU M Station warmers, PowePack+, and portable M Warmer systems, allow blood to be heated from 4°C to 38°C at a flow rate of 150 ml/min;

• Consumables, donor-to-patient transfusion kits, and other essential supplies.

This project, launched last year, aims to train military medics and equip stabilization points in frontline areas with medical equipment for blood storage, transportation, and transfusion.

Konstantyn Kravets, a junior lieutenant of the medical service in the 56th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade, shared: "Thanks to the support of the Pulse Charitable Foundation and Vodafone Ukraine, we received training that allowed us not only to master new legislative aspects of blood transfusion in combat conditions but also to adopt modern technologies. This enables us to provide rapid and effective assistance without improvisation. We regularly perform transfusions for patients in critical condition due to hemorrhagic shock, using various blood components—from whole blood to fresh-frozen plasma and red cell mass. When we see a wounded soldier’s condition improve after transfusion, we realize how vital this technique is for saving lives."

Statistics show that blood loss is the leading cause of death among the wounded. In many cases, blood transfusions are performed only at hospitals, which may be too late, given the challenging evacuation conditions from combat zones. Early blood transfusion, combined with proper bleeding control and rapid evacuation, significantly increases survival rates for trauma patients and can save up to 50% of critically wounded soldiers.

Fedir Serdiuk, co-founder of PULSE, emphasized: Timely blood transfusion saves lives. Building a blood transfusion system at frontline medical points requires skills, equipment, logistics, and support. Thanks to our partners and the dedication of military doctors, we are implementing a comprehensive solution. Blood starts saving lives almost immediately after the equipment is delivered.

Viktoria Ruban, PR Director at Vodafone Ukraine, noted: "The project is scaling up, which is the best proof of its effectiveness. In many aspects, it is unique—not just for Ukraine but even globally. At Vodafone, we are proud to collaborate with the Pulse Charitable Foundation and are honored to contribute to implementing innovative practices that save the lives of our defenders."

The project is implemented in partnership with the Ukrainian Transplant Coordination Center, following the Ministry of Health's roadmap. Training standards for military medical personnel comply with state regulations and advanced NATO practices.

Last year, as part of the project:

• 60 training days on the basics of hemotransfusion were conducted for over 150 medical personnel from the Marine Corps and Southern Operational Command;

• 4 combat brigades of the Marine Corps were fully equipped with blood storage and transfusion devices;

• 1 special operations center was additionally supplied with blood transfusion capabilities during medical evacuation.