Rodion Shak's Severe Injury
Rodion Shak, a 15-year-old boy from Shostka in the Sumy region, suffered a life-threatening accident after falling from a height equivalent to a nine-story building. The incident occurred when he climbed a high-voltage tower of similar elevation. The fall resulted in extensive burns covering half of his body, multiple fractures, traumatic brain injury, and damage to internal organs.
Initial emergency care was provided at a hospital in Shostka, followed by urgent transfer to Kyiv City Children’s Clinical Hospital No. 1 via ambulance the next day. Rodion spent the first 12 days in intensive care, undergoing 42 procedures under general anesthesia, including surgeries and complex wound dressings. Critical to his treatment were remote consultations between Ukrainian doctors and their German counterparts, which helped shape an effective care plan.
Rehabilitation and Collaboration with German Experts
The rehabilitation process began early during Rodion’s acute care phase. Having trained in Greco-Roman wrestling for 10 years, Rodion’s athletic background may have contributed positively to his recovery. He has now returned home and continues his rehabilitation regimen.
This ongoing medical collaboration is part of a broader initiative to establish a specialized center for children with severe burns at Kyiv City Children’s Clinical Hospital No. 1. The project encompasses:
- Advanced medical and telemedicine equipment;
- Training programs for hospital staff;
- Regular joint online consultations with physicians from Cologne, Germany.
The initiative is driven by the Patients of Ukraine charitable foundation in partnership with Kliniken der Stadt Köln (Cologne Clinics) and Kyiv City Children’s Clinical Hospital No. 1. Funding comes from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is supported by the German Society for International Cooperation’s (GIZ) Hospital Partnership program.
“We removed non-viable tissue, applied a specialized BTM wound covering, and then grafted Rodion’s own skin to close the wounds,” explained Dr. Lesya Strilka.
This case highlights the critical need for adolescent safety awareness, especially given the risks they may encounter daily. The cooperation with German medical experts exemplifies significant progress in enhancing pediatric trauma care in Ukraine. Rodion’s rehabilitation journey, combined with the introduction of innovative treatment methods, serves as a valuable model for other healthcare institutions across the country.