A joint initiative by the “Razom for Ukraine” Foundation and the 3rd Army Corps

On November 21–22, Kyiv hosted the inaugural Tourniquet Forum 2025, an international event dedicated to combat limb injuries, tourniquet syndrome, modern lifesaving techniques, and the evolution of battlefield medicine. The forum was organized by the “Razom for Ukraine” Charity Foundation in partnership with the 3rd Army Corps.

For the first time in Ukraine, a single platform brought together the people who — almost daily — form the entire chain of survival: from applying a tourniquet under fire, to surgery, stabilization, and full rehabilitation. Experts examined the complete spectrum of care for combat limb trauma: stopping massive hemorrhage, evacuation under fire, treating tourniquet syndrome, surgical decision-making, rehabilitation strategies, and the modernization of training programs.

Among the invited speakers were world-renowned authorities in military medicine:
Dr. John Holcomb, one of the most influential U.S. military surgeons;
Dr. Warren Dorlac, a leading expert of the American College of Surgeons;
Dr. Craig Silverton;
Dr. Jonathan Morrison, vascular trauma specialist;
and Frank Butler, the legendary founder of TCCC, whose address was presented via video.

Opening the forum, Evelina Kurilets, Executive Director of the “Razom for Ukraine” Foundation, emphasized that the tourniquet has become a symbol of modern battlefield first aid — and that the exchange of expertise between Ukrainian and American specialists is now an essential force multiplier that saves lives.

Representing Ukraine’s military medical system, attendees were welcomed by Victoria Kovach, Head of the Medical Department of the 3rd Army Corps; Kostiantyn Humeniuk, Chief Surgeon of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Dmytro Samofalov, Acting Director of the Ministry of Defense Health Department; as well as the tactical medicine instructors of the 3rd Army Corps.

The forum opened with a powerful rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem performed by Sofia Nersesyan, the youngest soloist of the Honor Guard Orchestra of the Presidential Brigade and Ukraine’s representative at Junior Eurovision 2025. Her performance set an emotional tone of unity and gratitude toward all who defend Ukraine.

Throughout the day, 24 in-depth presentations covered the full spectrum of today’s battlefield medicine: the nature and consequences of tourniquet syndrome, evacuation challenges, stabilization procedures, surgical treatment of combat injuries, new technologies to mitigate prolonged tourniquet application, rehabilitation protocols, and updated training based on TCCC, CLS, CMC, and PHTLS standards.
Experts from the U.S., Europe, and Ukraine shared cutting-edge protocols, clinical solutions, field data, and analytic insights shaping the future of combat casualty care.

Particularly valuable were firsthand accounts from frontline medics, who presented real-world cases of tourniquet use, conversion in austere environments, working under fire, and common mistakes that can be prevented through updated training curricula.

A dedicated panel discussion brought together Ukrainian and international experts to outline new approaches to training, curriculum updates, and standardization of instructor practices.

By the end of the first day, organizers emphasized that Tourniquet Forum 2025 became a true convergence point — combining academic research, practical experience, and a shared strategic vision for advancing military medicine. The forum’s materials will serve as the basis for new methodological documents, clinical algorithms, recommendations for combat units and surgical teams, and a forthcoming professional publication on tourniquet syndrome and limb trauma.

The second day of the forum was devoted to specialized working groups. Experts consolidated field experience, developed systemic recommendations, and prepared draft materials for future nationwide implementation across the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The event was held with the support of the Ukrainian Resuscitation Council and emergency medical services partners. The official water partner was Voda UA. Additional partners included: Shlyakh (tourniquet manufacturer), Azaris, SENTA PHARM (hemostatic agents), Time for Rescue, and the NGO Reformatsiia.

“Tourniquet Forum 2025: The International Forum on Combat Limb Trauma and Tourniquet Application” marks the first step toward creating a systemic platform where practice, science, analytics, and international cooperation work together toward a single mission — saving the lives of Ukraine’s defenders.