A Teenager's Heroic Act
On March 2, during a Russian attack in the city of Sumy, 15-year-old Nazar Manzhara became a hero by providing first aid to a woman who had been shot on a minibus. The victim, Svitlana Polozhiy, underwent surgery and remains under medical supervision. Her survival was made possible by the swift actions of Nazar and the minibus driver, who worked together to get her the urgent care she needed.
The tragedy unfolded as gunfire echoed through Sumy that day. Nazar, a student of Bilopillia School No. 2 who was studying remotely, immediately began administering pre-medical aid to the wounded passenger. He described hearing a sound like shattering glass: 'The bullet flew by; the sound was like glass cracking. The woman felt sick, I approached, and it was all there already...'. Using a belt given to him by a nearby woman, he applied a tourniquet to the wound and held the victim's arm to reduce the bleeding.
The Critical Need for Readiness
The minibus driver also assisted, calling for an ambulance. Nazar recalls taking a towel to cover the wound and holding it in place until medical professionals arrived. His mother, Anna Shkolna, described her initial fear when her son called to tell her about the incident:
"At first I heard the shots... He said everything was okay" - Anna Shkolna
She noted that, unlike the adults who exited the minibus, Nazar stayed behind to help.
Nazar emphasized that in such situations, it is crucial not to be afraid and to offer help to others: 'It's better to help a person; she was in a bad way. So what if I'm late? It's not a big deal.' He also remarked that there is no point in being afraid, because 'a person could die.' These words reveal a maturity and sense of responsibility beyond his years, demonstrating true humanity in a critical moment. This incident occurred amid ongoing hostilities in the region, where civilian areas have frequently come under fire.
This event underscores the vital importance of being prepared to help others in emergencies and the courage of young people who can rise to the occasion. Nazar Manzhara's actions serve as an example to many, showing that even under the most difficult conditions, one can remain humane and compassionate. Such stories inspire society and highlight the necessity of basic first-aid training, so more people can act quickly and effectively in similar crises.