Why Tactical Medicine Knowledge Matters
Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, revealed that her training in tactical medicine enabled her to assess her own condition, reach a medical facility, and receive emergency resuscitation care. She expressed gratitude to the doctors and urged others to take tactical medicine courses, emphasizing their critical importance in life-threatening situations. This skill set, often used by military and first responders, can be vital for civilians facing emergencies.
Who Is Olena Kondratiuk?
Born on November 17, 1970, in Lviv, Kondratiuk is a graduate of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv and holds a PhD in History. Before entering politics, she ran the PR agency 'Radnyk' until 2007. That year, she was elected to parliament for the sixth convocation as a member of the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc, ranked 134th on the party list. She was also a member of the 'Reforms and Order' Party.
In 2012, she was elected to the seventh convocation as an independent candidate on the 'Batkivshchyna' (Fatherland) party list, ranked 60th. From 2012 to 2014, she served as deputy head of Ukraine's delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). In 2014, she was re-elected to the eighth convocation, ranked 18th on the 'Batkivshchyna' list. That same year, she became secretary of the Parliamentary Committee on Freedom of Speech and Information Policy and co-chair of the inter-factional union 'Equal Opportunities.'
In 2019, Kondratiuk was elected to the ninth convocation as a 'Batkivshchyna' party member, ranked fifth on the list. She also sits on the party's Political Council and served as a campaign strategist for Yulia Tymoshenko during the 2019 presidential election. Since August 29, 2019, she has held the position of Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada. She is currently a non-factional deputy and, by virtue of her role, does not belong to any parliamentary committee.
In 2020, when Dmytro Razumkov and Ruslan Stefanchuk contracted COVID-19, Kondratiuk temporarily assumed the duties of Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada. Reflecting on her recent experience, she shared in a social media post:
'Thanks to my own knowledge from tactical medicine training, yesterday I was able to assess the danger to my condition, get to a medical facility in time, entrust myself to professional doctors, and undergo resuscitation care... everything is fine now! Thank you to the doctors and everyone for your support!'
— Olena Kondratiuk
She added: 'The point is—having basic knowledge and taking tactical medicine courses is a must! Take advantage of it! Take care of yourselves, friends!'
This incident underscores the life-saving potential of tactical medicine skills, which can prove decisive in critical moments. As a public figure, Kondratiuk's call for others to undergo such training may boost public interest in learning basic medical aid. In an era marked by war and emergencies, these skills can mean the difference between life and death.