Yuliia Paievska is a Ukrainian military servicewoman, paramedic, volunteer and the commander of the Taira's Angels unit. She is also the founder of the Mriya Ukraine Foundation. Yuliia has been a volunteer paramedic since 2014 and provided assistance to hundreds of wounded soldiers and civilians during the Russian invasion of Mariupol in 2022, including transporting them to hospitals and directing them to the correct medical care based on their injuries and the degree of severity. She was captured during the siege of Mariupol and was held captive for three months; President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Yuliia had been released on June 17, 2022. 

Yuliia has received numerous awards, including the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, the Presidential Order for Humanitarian Participation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation, and the People's Hero of Ukraine award. She was also named on BBC's 100 Women list in 2022 and was named an International Woman of Courage by the United States Department of State in 2023. Yuliia holds a 5th degree black belt in Aikido, which she has been teaching for over 20 years, and she is a member of the Warrior Games team for the Ukrainian Invictus Games. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Tactical Medicine Courses

Through this project, comprehensive training in tactical medicine was provided, with a particular focus on addressing the needs arising from conflict situations. Participants were equipped with essential knowledge and skills crucial for responding effectively to emergencies, particularly within the context of warfare. The courses were delivered primarily in Kyiv, with occasional visits to deployment points for military personnel. Six tactical medicine courses were developed which covered various aspects of tactical and emergency medicine, including fundamental principles, phases of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), and familiarity with essential first aid kit contents such as tourniquets and hemostatic agents. The project enhanced the preparedness of 562 individuals to respond effectively to emergencies, thereby contributing to saving lives and minimizing injury severity. By equipping both military personnel and civilians with essential medical skills, the project fostered greater community resilience and preparedness in the face of emergencies.

"The tactical medicine course was incredibly informative and practical. I feel much more confident now in my ability to respond effectively to emergencies, both in my personal life and as a military member." - Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Yuliia was a recipient of the International Women of Courage Award, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth and International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles.

Yuliia's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "IVLP allowed me to see different cultures and approaches to problems in the world. I have had the idea of courses for a long time, but it was this project that gave me confidence in it."

U.S. Communities Visited

Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; Dallas, TX

Country: Ukraine 

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