In the heart of the Ukrainian conflict, a group of determined individuals are stepping forward to volunteer their skills in a perilous but crucial mission—saving lives. One of these volunteers is Karolina, a 24-year-old known by her callsign “Cobra.” She embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication that drives Ukraine’s volunteer paramedic force, the Hospitallers.
Karolina’s story begins in Italy, where she spent nine years with her family after moving there at the age of 13. However, she always felt a deep connection to her homeland, Ukraine. As the threat of Russian invasion grew in 2021, she decided to return, vowing to contribute to her country’s fight.
“I felt it was my mission to help fight for Ukraine and show the world what’s happening here,” she said.
When the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Karolina quickly found a way to make a difference. Her language skills and international experience made her an invaluable asset to Italian news outlets, guiding them through the frontline stories. However, she soon realized that her true calling lay in more direct action. She turned to tactical medicine, driven by a sense of urgency to save lives.
Inside Ukraine’s Pioneering Paramedic Force
Founded during the 2014 Russian invasion, the Hospitallers have grown into Ukraine’s largest volunteer paramedic organization. Founded by Yana Zinkevych, then just 19, the Hospitallers have evolved from a small-scale effort to a well-organized medical battalion with 500 volunteers and 80 crews. By 2024, they had conducted over 17,000 evacuations during the full-scale invasion.
The Hospitallers fill a critical gap in Ukraine’s military medical system, providing Western medical practices and training in tactical medicine. They offer a comprehensive course that certifies over 300 applicants annually, equipping them for real battlefront scenarios.
The Long Road to Ukraine’s Elite Medic Corps
Karolina is currently awaiting results from her volunteer paramedic certification exam after completing a grueling two-week training course. Her journey was marked by rejection from the military recruitment office but fueled by a deep commitment to her country.
“We work for the sake of every life,” she says. “The most important thing is to save as many lives as possible. It’s not about the money.”
The training is intense and involves extensive lectures, hands-on practice, and simulation exercises that replicate battlefield scenarios. Karolina is driven by her past experiences, including the loss of close friends fighting in the war. Her determination is matched only by her resilience, allowing her to remain calm under the most challenging conditions.
The emotional toll of her work is immense. Karolina often revisits the memories of losing friends and the trauma of witnessing life-threatening situations. Nonetheless, her dedication remains unwavering. “I want my descendants to live in a free Ukraine, and I want my younger brother, who’s 12, to speak Ukrainian without fear,” she says.
Neither Soldiers Nor Civilians
Andrii, another Hospitaller, exemplifies the dual life of these volunteers. He combines his frontline duties with a supportive role in a patronage service for another NGO, balancing intense rotations with remote work.
“It’s a unique combination of freedom and responsibility,” Andrii says. “You can continue civilian work while dedicating yourself to this vital cause during rotations.”
Andrii joined the Hospitallers after a year of training in Germany and Ukraine, focusing on US-based protocols like Stop the Bleed and Basic Life Support. His experience served him well during his first frontline rotation, where he adapted quickly to treating battlefield injuries.
Andrii values the flexibility and meaningful impact of his role, even as it demands both physical strength and strong motivation. He trains new volunteers, passing on his knowledge and experience to ensure the continuous improvement and safety of the battalion.
Rewriting Medicine for the First Tech-Driven War
The Hospitallers’ work has evolved alongside the war, adapting to new technologies and tactics. Drones pose a significant threat to medical evacuation vehicles, requiring innovative solutions for evacuation procedures.
“Russians are deliberately, actively, and systematically targeting medical transport. Our crews have been hit by FPV drones, and unfortunately, we’ve suffered losses because of it,” Andrii explains.
To protect medics, Ukrainian forces now use additional vehicles as intermediaries during evacuations, employing electronic warfare systems to counterattack drones. Even with these precautions, the danger persists, making the role of a paramedic on the frontlines incredibly perilous.
The Hospitallers’ ability to adapt and innovate in the face of these challenges is a testament to their commitment to saving lives. They have incorporated new technologies and practices to ensure they can continue their vital work on the frontlines.
Crossing Borders to Save Lives – at the Age of 17
The Hospitallers’ ranks include international volunteers, such as a 17-year-old girl from Central Asia. At 24 February 2022, she heard about the invasion and immediately felt compelled to act.
“It was clear that something had to be done—I had to take action,” she says.
After moving to Ukraine and becoming fluent, she began training in tactical medicine courses. Her dedication was put to the test when she responded to a Russian bombing in Kyiv, carrying a nine-year-old girl with a fractured skull. The emotional impact of this experience only strengthened her resolve.
