In Ukraine, hospitals are changing their work during air raids: what the new rules provide for

Ukraine is introducing new rules for the operation of hospitals and other medical facilities depending on the level of air threat. Different requirements will apply for yellow and red levels, but emergency medical services will operate continuously.

This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Koretsky.

During the yellow threat level, medical facilities will continue to operate as usual. Employees, patients, and visitors must have free access to shelters.

At the red level, patients and medical staff should take shelter. At the same time, doctors will not stop providing care if it is dangerous for the patient to interrupt it. This applies, in particular, to operations, resuscitation and intensive care.

Patients who cannot be quickly transferred to a shelter will be kept in the most protected areas of the hospital and will continue to be provided with the necessary care.

In shelters and other protected areas, medics will be able to treat patients, administer medications, and, if necessary, accommodate people.

Emergency medical services will not operate based on the threat level. Dispatchers will continue to take calls and ambulance crews will continue to visit patients. People with urgent conditions will be admitted to hospitals even during the red level.

The government has also instructed to strengthen the protection of operating rooms, intensive care units, maternity wards, and reception areas. Particular attention should be paid to rooms with backup power sources, critical equipment, and places where patients are located who are difficult to evacuate quickly.