PDMS has long established itself as a powerful symbol of the russian-Ukrainian war. A united force of hundreds of volunteers from across the globe, we are a close-knit family that does more than save lives on the front lines — we forge unbreakable bonds as true brothers and sisters in arms.
History is made by people. Behind all the PDMSh activities are our volunteers—daring, brave, intelligent professionals in their field. More than a thousand volunteers have gone through PDMSh since 2014. Let us introduce them to you since they are the people who make up PDMSh.
Involved in PDMSh missions since December 2022.
Has worked as part of the PDMSh resuscitation team and at the stabilization point.
Maryana joined PDMSh in 2022 and worked as part of a PDMSh resuscitation team, as well as at the stabilisation posts.
Awarded with a “For Assistance to the Army” honorary badge by Ukraine's Armed Forces of the Commander-in-Chief Awarded with a “For a Saved Life” honorary badge by Ukraine's Armed Forces of the Commander-in-Chief Awarded with a "Badge of Honor” by Ukraine's Defence Ministry
“Egoists.” We Laugh So That We Don't Cry...”
First joined PDMSh back in 2017. After russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Yaroslav worked as part of a resuscitation team near Bakhmut, where he had to treat a substantial number of seriously injured patients.
Awarded with a "For Assistance to the Army" honorary badge by Ukraine's Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief
Perfectionist “Babulya”: Everyone Has the Opportunity to Contribute to Our Victory
Orthopedic traumatologist
Serhiy has worked at PDMSh stabilisation posts since 2022, treating military and civilian patients at the front. - Awarded with a “For Assistance to the Army” honorary badge by Ukraine's Armed Forces of the Commander-in-Chief Awarded with a “For a Saved Life” honorary badge by Ukraine's Armed Forces of the Commander-in-Chief
Serhiy (Bormenthal): “In Lyman, Our Hospital Distributed Humanitarian Aid. Locals Used to Come Here. One of Them Directed a Rocket at Us”
Involved in PDMSh missions since August 2022.
Has worked as part of the PDMSh resuscitation team and at the stabilization point.
Nurse Anaesthetist “Khanna” learned about the PDMSh activities in 2016, when she first encountered us during tactical training. In 2023, she joined PDMSh missions, working at a stabilisation post and as part of a resuscitation team.
Awarded with a “For Assistance to the Army” honorary badge by Ukraine's Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief
"Being Part of PDMSh is Enough to be Respected"
She joined PDMSh in 2022, working as part of resuscitation teams, as well as a stabilisation post - Awarded with a “For Assistance to the Army” honorary badge by Ukraine's Armed Forces of the Commander-in-Chief Awarded with a “For a Saved Life” honorary badge by Ukraine's Armed Forces of the Commander-in-Chief
Soyka: "My Goal Is to Save Lives"
Education
Research and Publications
Work Experience
Public and Political Activities
Family
More about the life, activities, and views of the PDMSh Leader (in Ukrainian)
Oleh joined PDMSh in 2022 to help soldiers recover after PCS and injuries and literally repaired their backs broken by wearing body armour and other heavy ammunition.
Awarded with a “For Assistance to the Army” honorary badge by Ukraine's Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Awarded with a “For a Saved Life” honorary badge by Ukraine's Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief
Fixing a Warrior up at One Haul: a PDMSh Rehabilitologist on the Broken Backs, Spinal Injuries, and the Recovery of Defenders During the War
Joined PDMSh in September 2022.
Worked as a driver/paramedic as part of a PDMSh resuscitation team.
After participating in over 10 PDMSh missions, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Yulia joined PDMSh in 2023 and worked at a stabilisation post
A Fighter Must Know the Truth: a PDMSh Surgeon about Inevitable Amputations and the Day-to-Day inside the Operating Room
Has been actively participating in PDMSh missions since February 2023.
Works as part of the PDMSh resuscitation team and at the stabilization point.
Diana works at the Clinic of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation, and Pain Therapy in Dortmund, Germany. She was born and raised in Kyiv and graduated with honors from the Bogomolets National Medical University. In 1995, she moved to Germany with her parents. In addition to her main work as an anesthesiologist, she has been an emergency physician for the last twenty years and has additional specialization in disaster and emergency medicine.
Since the beginning of the invasion, Diana has been actively helping Ukraine from Germany. In January 2023, she submitted an application to PDMSh and has been actively participating in its missions since then, combining assistance at the front with civilian work in Germany.
Ganna joined the PDMSh in May 2023 and has since periodically taken part in frontline rotations. During her time with PDMSh, Ganna has worked at stabilization points and in resuscitation teams, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and courage.
In her interview with Suspilne as part of the “Important Conversation” project, Ganna spoke about balancing her work between a civilian hospital and PDMSh, the loss of wounded soldiers and successful resuscitations, as well as the frustration of not understanding why some give everything while others do nothing.
“I fight pain and death,” says the anesthesiologist from Chernihiv about her work.
Has been actively participating in PDMSh missions since October 2022.
Works as part of the PDMSh resuscitation team and at the stabilization point.
Yuzepchuk is a well-known pediatric orthopedic traumatologist in Rivne, with over 35 years of experience at the Rivne Oblast Children's Hospital. Throughout his career, he has helped thousands of children regain their mobility. In 2016, "Shelest" joined PDMSh and has been actively involved in its missions since the full-scale Russian invasion.
He is the laureate of the regional "Order of Saint Panteleimon" Award for Professionalism and Compassion, recognized for his selfless service to the Ukrainian people, his courage and resilience in the fight for the health of Ukrainians, and his dedication to freedom and independence during the war against the Russian aggressor.
Vasyl joined the PDMSh in June 2023 and has been regularly participating in its rotations ever since. As of April 2025, he has taken part in 16 rotations.
During his time with PDMSh, Vasyl has worked as a driver for an intensive care evacuation team that transports critically wounded soldiers. He has proven to be a professional and reliable driver, with whom the crew feels safe and comfortable, and patients are transported quickly and carefully.
“I couldn’t forgive myself if I failed to bring a wounded soldier back alive,” says “Portos” in an interview with Suspilne (Public Broadcaster of Ukraine).
Vyacheslav joined the PDMSh in 2022, taking part in his first rotations as part of the Zhytomyr unit under the leadership of Serhii Hrabarchuk “Maestro”, who tragically died while rescuing his daughter from a fire. Later, Vyacheslav participated in rotations in the Donetsk region and along the Sumy region.
He has proven himself to be an experienced specialist, working both with intensive care teams and in medical evacuation brigade.
“Garyk” shared a story from a typical workday on the Sumy region, where enemy drones are a daily reality and electronic warfare systems save lives.
https://pdmsh.ua/news/seconds-impact-how-electronic-warfare-saved-pdmsh-medevac-crew-under-fire
Daryna joined PDMSh in 2023. She first worked in an evacuation team and later at a stabilization point.
“My work is not only about surgical procedures, but also about constantly fighting for the life of every soldier. Every life saved is our shared victory,” says Daryna.
“Leo” spoke to Vinnychyna TV channel about rescuing wounded defenders under fire and providing aid to soldiers practically on the battlefield.
We are grateful for the recognition of our contribution. A total of 351 PDMSh volunteers to date have received awards for their selfless work — as PDMSh volunteers — in countless cases receiving commemorative badges from individual military units and public organisations, diplomas and certificates from hospitals and administrations... we couldn't even start counting those. Yet, we are proud of each and every one.
on a voluntary basis
on a voluntary basis
Transport and logistics
• PR
• Communications
• Social media
• Media relations
Financial reporting
HR
Advisor to the President of the PDMSh
on a voluntary basis
Patients have received medical treatment from PDMSh volunteer medics since 2014
Awards and accolades were received by PDMSh volunteers
PDMSh volunteer PDMSh have provided medical care in many combat areas
Locations in which PDMSh volunteer medics have worked since 2014
Please fill out the volunteer form on our website: https://www.pdmsh.ua/apply.
The PDMSh HR manager will contact you to instruct you on further steps if and when your application meets PDMSh’s current needs.
You can also follow us on social media, where we announce our needs for the next mission.
The PDMSh volunteers work exclusively pro bono, without any salary or other remuneration. However, PDMSh volunteers are fully provided with food, accommodation, outfits, IFAKs, and everything necessary for work during the mission.
Since its establishment, over 1,000 volunteers have joined PDMSh, including 700 medical workers.
Hennadii Druzenko is the Co-founder and Honorary President of PDMSh, serving on a voluntary basis. Strategic oversight of the organization is provided by the PDMSh Supervisory Board, chaired by Oleh Shyba, who is also a Co-founder of PDMSh. The medical direction and PDMSh’s frontline operations are led by Vice President for Medical Affairs Svitlana Druzenko, who is also responsible for coordination with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Executive management and legal matters of the charitable organization “Mykola Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital (PDMSh)” are overseen by Executive Director Tetiana Samoilenko. External relations and public communications are managed by Vice President for Public Relations Halyna Almazova.
PDMSh’s operational areas include transport and logistics, overseen by Mykola Hoiko, and material and technical support under the leadership of Anna Shchokina. Communications, PR, and media relations are coordinated by Daria Ripna. Financial reporting and internal audit are handled by Arslan Salnikov. Human resources management is overseen by Olena Balashova. Mykyta Kulichenko serves as an Advisor to the Honorary President of PDMSh on a voluntary basis.
Call us on the PDMSh hotline: 0800334903