Saved 16 lives: the story of combat medic from Donetsk region Irina Shushura (VIDEO)
In the past, Irina was an economist. But for 5 years the girl has been serving in the police, and after the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, she received the qualification of a combat medic. Risking her life, Irina Shushura travels to the scene of shelling and rescues the wounded with severe injuries.
Irina dreamed of being a law enforcement officer since childhood, but initially received a civil profession. In 2018, the girl dared to radically change her life and entered law school. In the same year, Irina Shushura began service in the Selydov police department, where she worked as an assistant district officer.
“This is the city where I was born, and I wanted to help people here,” the police officer said.
With the outbreak of a full-scale war, Irina sought to help people more, and therefore she completed courses and became a paramedic. Subsequently, she advanced her qualification to the level of Combat medic (combat medic) according to the international standard.
Risking her life, the paramedic was among the first to arrive at the scene of the shelling, provide assistance to the wounded and, together with colleagues, evacuate them to the hospital. She deals with severe injuries — traumatic amputations, critical bleeding. Worked near the front line in the Bakhmut direction. Repeatedly came under enemy fire.
“We left with partners for shelling, began to provide assistance to the victims, and after 5 minutes the Russians struck again in this place. Fortunately, then everyone survived, and people were safely taken to a medical institution,” the doctor recalls.
On the account of Irina Shushura there are 24 visits for shelling. The police officer not only rescued the victims, but also evacuated the bodies of the dead from dangerous areas.
“Of course it's scary. At this moment I think about my family, about my son Maxim, and these thoughts add strength,” the police officer admits.
Helps in the service and sports hardening. In school years, the girl was engaged in kickboxing. In 2021, in Mariupol, Irina participated in regional crossfit competitions among the power units and became a silver medalist among women. In the same year, she represented Donetsk region at the All-Ukrainian CrossFit Tournament as part of a team that won 8th place among 24 regions of Ukraine. Among the achievements of the athlete is the victory at local swimming competitions.
In addition to rescuing people, Irina Shushura works as a personal safety instructor at the Police Training Center and trains colleagues.
“At a time when Russia has treacherously attacked Ukraine and is destroying my people, my goal is to save as many lives as possible and to be close to the people of Donetsk region. Every saved person is a small victory over the enemy,” says Irina Shushura.
National Police of Ukraine
