Volodymyr Gontar is one of a select few emergency care physicians in Ukraine who have recently started working in the air medical service. Ukraine’s air ambulances started flying this September and the doctor speaks about the main difference between air ambulances and regular ones.
“What took us a few hours now takes minutes,” says Gontar. “The speed of delivering care and transporting patients to hospitals is the most important difference between a helicopter and a conventional ambulance.”
A well-functioning emergency medical service (EMS) is vital for saving lives. Doctor Gontar, who has been working in the EMS for 8 years, says proper infrastructure and sufficient equipment are essential for providing timely and effective medical aid. Moreover, there has to be more awareness raising among patients about when to call the EMS is appropriate.
“There are cases when we are called even though a patient is not in a critical situation,” says Gontar. “There are still some misconceptions about our work – a lot of people consider us just to be a kind of a taxi service. So, it has to be underlined that the emergency service is for serious emergency situations.”
Ready for everything
Doctor Gontar says that even though his job entails unpredictable situations, this is what he loves about the EMS. No shifts are the same, and you have to be prepared for anything.
“You never know what’s waiting for you,” says Gontar. “One minute you are helping with a heart attack, and 10 minutes later you are at a traffic accident. It can be challenging, but if you love your job then it gives you drive.”
He finds emergencies with children the most difficult. Doctor Gontar explains that it is quite difficult to evaluate the state of babies and toddlers when they are stressed and scared. The most important thing, regardless of the severity of the case, is to stay cool-headed and follow the care delivery algorithm, he says.
“You are full of adrenaline with every emergency, but you have got to switch off your emotions,” says Gontar. “If you know what you are doing and have just as competent a partner, and you have got the medical supplies you need, then you are going to get a result.”
Recharging batteries
Doctor Gontar says that switching professional activities helps him stay focused and energized. For instance, when he has a day shift on the helicopter, and then a night shift in an ambulance, he feels his inner battery is recharged. He also has plenty of hobbies, helping him maintain a work-life balance.
“I switch activities and make sure I get some rest to prevent burnout,” Gontar says. “For example, on weekdays I do training of emergency care physicians, and on weekends I work with an ambulance crew.”
The year 2021 has been designated by WHO as the International Year of Health and Care Workers in appreciation of and gratitude for their unwavering dedication in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
This story has been developed by the WHO Country Office in Ukraine, with financial assistance from the European Union (EU) within the EU and WHO initiative on health system development in Ukraine, and is part of a series of stories showcasing Ukrainian health care workers.