Building Psychological Resilience and First Aid Skills
A specialized training session focused on psychological resilience and emergency first aid was recently conducted for employees of Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy and Environment. This initiative took place under the international STEP IN 2 EU program, which is backed by the governments of several countries along with the European Union. The training aims to prepare participants for critical incidents, particularly in response to ongoing missile and drone attacks by Russia across Ukraine.
Attendees practiced techniques for maintaining calm under pressure and rehearsed life-saving first aid procedures, including controlling severe bleeding and applying tourniquets. The event was organized by the Public Association 'Fund for Supporting Reforms in Ukraine,' marking a vital step toward strengthening the psychological stability of public sector workers.
About the STEP IN 2 EU Initiative
The STEP IN 2 EU program receives joint funding from the governments of Germany, Norway, Lithuania, and Estonia, as well as the European Union through the EU4Business initiative. Implementation is managed by the German federal enterprise Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Andriy Pyvovarov, one of the organizers, emphasized the importance of such efforts:
'Public service must continue functioning under all circumstances, and this fundamentally depends on the people. Therefore, prioritizing the psychological well-being and safety of civil servants is essential.'
Given the current security challenges in Ukraine, this training represents a crucial move toward enhancing the readiness of government employees to respond effectively to emergencies while safeguarding their health and lives. It also highlights the significant role of international cooperation in bolstering the capacity of Ukrainian institutions during times of crisis. Ensuring that civil servants are equipped both mentally and practically can make a profound difference in maintaining essential public services amidst conflict.