Did Not Hesitate in the Face of Adversity: Who Was Awarded for Saving Lives

The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) today awarded more than 70 individuals, recognizing service employees, foreign partners, and first responders for saving lives and contributing to the service's work, reported EMS representative Miks Ducis. With these awards, the service expressed gratitude to both its employees and compassionate individuals who came to the aid of others in critical moments. The "For Selflessness" award was given to senior driver of the emergency medical vehicle Igor Utenkov. During his free time at the Riga Central Railway Station, he noticed that a woman was undergoing resuscitation on the platform and continued the resuscitation efforts until colleagues arrived. Also awarded for selflessness were medics from the EMS team Kintija Venskovica and Snezhana Romanova. During their free time, they noticed an unconscious man in a car on the roadside and successfully resuscitated him. In turn, the actions of EMS employee, Ukrainian Yevgenia Guriyeva, during a serious traffic accident helped save a one-and-a-half-year-old child who sustained severe multiple injuries, the service noted. The award for professionalism was given to doctor Inna Gavrilova, who provided assistance to a man with life-threatening injuries after a grenade explosion during a call. The victim had severe facial and jaw injuries, as well as massive bleeding. The doctor ensured airway patency, stabilized the patient's condition, and prepared him for transport to the hospital. Her actions helped save the man's life. The service recognized employees who successfully conducted resuscitation of patients, provided assistance to individuals with severe injuries, and trained colleagues. Awards were also given for improving technological solutions and work processes, strengthening civil-military cooperation, and ensuring the service's readiness for emergencies. Two foreign partners were also awarded for their contributions to the development of the Latvian disaster medicine system and strengthening the country's preparedness for emergencies. Retired Ukrainian army lieutenant colonel and doctor Sergey Shakun organized training for EMS employees in frontline areas of Ukraine. There, Latvian specialists learned evacuation of the injured and how to provide assistance in the context of massive air attacks. British expert Justin Burke-Jones was awarded for his contribution to the development of the Major Incident Medical Management and Support (MIMMS) training system in Latvia. Since 2018, he has led national-level exercises and facilitated the establishment of an independent MIMMS training center in Latvia. As noted by the EMS, this work has strengthened the readiness of the civil and military sectors for joint responses to large-scale incidents. Among those awarded for providing first aid was a high school student who, during her third day of work at a store in Gulbene last summer, saved the life of a man who had lost consciousness. Following the instructions of the dispatcher from service 113 over the phone, the girl performed chest compressions. Nine soldiers from the 54th Support Battalion of the National Guard, who witnessed a serious accident on the Tinuji-Koknese road, were also awarded for their selfless actions. They called emergency services, provided first aid to the victims, and ensured safety at the scene of the incident. The stories of the awardees remind us that heroism is not always related to the profession of a rescuer. Sometimes, it is enough to be nearby, not hesitate, and do what is within your power. After all, in a critical situation, the first minutes and the willingness to help can determine whether a person lives or dies.