How are medical staff coping with the trauma of treating child war victims?

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Medical Staff Cope by Isolating Feelings Amidst War Trauma

Medical staff at Ukraine's Okhmatdyt children's hospital are experiencing profound psychological and moral difficulties due to the war, particularly when treating child victims. Paediatrician Svitlana Onysko described the situation as "really terrible, it is challenging, it is awful," highlighting the constant availability required of staff who are living at the hospital and working 24/7. Orthopaedic surgeon Vlasii Pylypko noted that many surgical colleagues attempt to "abstract, to isolate our feelings" to manage the emotional burden of treating severe injuries sustained by children.
Living and Working Continuously at the Hospital

The intensity of the conflict has necessitated that medical personnel reside at the hospital, ensuring continuous availability around the clock. This constant presence, coupled with the nature of the injuries, creates a challenging environment. Dr. Onysko stated that staff "live in the hospital, we don’t go home; we are available 24/7, at any time—day, night, morning, evening, we hurry up to help the kids." This sustained immersion in a warzone setting, directly confronting the suffering of young patients, contributes significantly to the psychological strain.
Psychological and Moral Difficulties of Treating Children

The fact that the patients are children exacerbates the psychological and moral toll on the medical staff. Dr. Onysko articulated this difficulty, stating, "It is difficult psychologically and morally because these are children." The inherent vulnerability of young patients, combined with the severity of their war-inflicted injuries, presents a unique and deeply distressing challenge for caregivers.
Abstracting and Isolating Feelings as a Coping Mechanism

To manage the overwhelming emotional impact, medical professionals are employing strategies to distance themselves from the trauma. Dr. Pylypko explained that many surgical colleagues try to "abstract, to isolate our feelings." This deliberate detachment serves as a way to maintain focus on the critical task of treating patients, despite the emotionally taxing nature of their work.
Anticipated Need for Future Psycho-Support

While currently focused entirely on patient care, there is an acknowledgment that staff may require psychological support in the aftermath of the war. Dr. Pylypko anticipates that "maybe after the war some of us will need psycho-support, but now we only focus on people’s treatment, children’s treatment." This indicates a recognition of the long-term psychological impact of their experiences, even as immediate survival and treatment remain the paramount concern.

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How are medical staff coping with the trauma of treating child war victims?

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