Ukraine’s Debut at Norway’s EMSNOR26 Ends with Victory and Top Score

Norway’s EMSNOR26: A Milestone Championship

According to Міністерство Здоров'я: The tenth national Norwegian emergency-medicine championship, EMSNOR26, took place in Jessheim in late August. This event is one of the region’s key platforms for testing how emergency teams perform in lifelike, high-pressure situations. Thirteen teams from Norway, Denmark, and Ukraine competed. Making its first appearance at the championship, the Ukrainian squad captured the Best International Team title with 1,107 points-the highest score recorded among all contenders. The top Norwegian side, Helse Stavanger HF, finished with 1,065 points.

The Ukrainian Lineup and Challenge Scenarios

The Ukrainian roster consisted of physicians Olena Volovyk and Nargiz Javadova, doctor Roman Huk, and paramedic Vadym Koshlak. Halyna Tsymbaliuk served as both the team's coach and a championship judge. She remarked:

“Recent years in Ukraine’s emergency medical services have taught us to constantly assess not just the patient’s condition but the whole picture-risks, resources, priorities, and the next move.” - Halyna Tsymbaliuk

Competitors worked through 13 simulated scenarios designed to mirror real EMS conditions. These covered a wide range of emergencies, including:

• mass-casualty incidents
• resuscitation
• sepsis
• hemorrhagic stroke
• cardiogenic shock
• domestic violence
• operating in a potentially hazardous environment
• rescuing a victim from a towering construction crane

Another test involved driving an ambulance on a virtual simulator. Judges scored teams on clinical accuracy, teamwork, role distribution, communication, situational awareness, and safety practices. Participants also had to adapt to unfamiliar vehicles and equipment, working across Ukrainian, English, and Norwegian language settings. The State Institution “Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Center for Emergency Medical Care and Disaster Medicine” of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine published the competition outcomes.

Ukraine’s participation at EMSNOR26 underscores how vital international cooperation is in emergency care, especially for a country facing serious health-system strains. The team’s strong showing reflects the high calibre of Ukraine’s emergency responders and their ability to adapt in unpredictable situations. It may also encourage closer alignment between Ukrainian professionals and global emergency-care standards and practices.

In addition to their impressive performance at EMSNOR26, Ukraine is also making strides in medical education amidst challenging circumstances. Their recent presentation at AMEE-2026 highlights the innovative approaches being implemented in emergency medical training during wartime, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian healthcare professionals.