In Lviv, Ukraine, a room full of first responders, including paramedics, gathered to learn from experts about how to not only save lives, but also bring life safely into the world.

Supporting women giving birth in emergency settings is a role that Ukrainian first responders have been asked to step into frequently since Feb. 2022, with more women giving birth in bomb shelters, in remote communities, and outside of hospital walls.

“With the start of the full-scale invasion, women don’t always make it to the hospital in time,” said Larysa Cheprasova, President of the Ukrainian Midwives’ Union , the organization that led the May 2026 training. The organization has trained over 400 first responders during more than 50 trainings in safe birth techniques across the country.

“The ambulance sometimes manages to get there in time, but [first responders] lack the necessary expertise,” she said.…