1. Successful completion of two training sessions held by SMURD paramedics
On 28 February and 3 March 2023, SMURD paramedics held two training sessions for NGO representatives from Siret Customs and Suceava area centres working with Ukrainian refugees. A total of 32 people were trained in intervention and first aid techniques. SMURD paramedics provided participants with useful information on accident prevention and actions to take in case of emergency.
Thanks to these sessions, SMURD paramedics helped to increase the capacity of NGOs to provide first aid in emergency situations, thus improving the safety and security of Ukrainian refugees in the Suceava area.
2. Changes in NGO working hours
- Rădăuțiul Civic has announced that it will continue its activity in March and at the end of the month it will communicate a decision on the withdrawal from Siret customs.
- Star of Hope Foundation staff covered 12 hours a day until February, thanks to the support of CARE. At the moment there is no final decision from the other partner, i.e. the container will be open from 9-16 where a doctor will be present 3 days a week.
3. Local issues
Due to the low temperatures, it has been found that the water in the sewerage freezes, leading to a constant shortage of water and sewage. Possible solutions to remedy this problem were discussed.
One of the suggestions put forward was to let the water drip from the taps at night, especially when temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius. While this may seem like a temporary solution, it could help organizations cope with this problem during periods of low temperatures, it is important that organizations and local authorities work together to find sustainable solutions to this problem.
4. Need for NGOs at Customs remains critical as Ukraine war continues
Although some say that the flow is not so high, the situation is actually different, as only now are people starting to arrive who are destitute, without homes and luxury cars, families who really need help and support, a fact mentioned by the POA Siret representative (Colonel Mirel Badiu) at the bi-weekly NGO meeting who said:
“it is necessary to collaborate with you, because nothing has been concluded. You remain to be very important in this area, you never know when the flow may increase due to the evolution of the conflict. Social cases are and will be, the situation can change overnight, WE MUST STAY ON POSITION!”.