Between fire and explosions: how the war changed the daily lives of Ukrainian rescuers
Kyiv • UNN
Rescuer Artur Basystyi spoke about working during the war and eliminating the consequences of shelling. The hardest part is the psychological pressure and the risk of repeated strikes.
International Firefighters' Day is celebrated annually on May 4, honoring the courage, endurance, and self-sacrifice of firefighters. Today, the work of Ukrainian firefighters has become even more difficult due to the war, but their mission remains unchanged – to protect the lives and safety of people. Artur Basystyi, a firefighter-rescuer, told a journalist from UNN more about how the work of rescuers has changed since the start of the full-scale war and what new challenges they have to face.
After February 24, 2022, the work of firefighters ceased to be predictable. Daily call-outs are now related not only to fire but also to the consequences of Russian armed aggression, so their service has become even more dangerous and more responsible.
After the start of the full-scale war, our work became significantly more difficult and dangerous. If before we mostly responded to fires and domestic emergencies, now we often work at the sites of shelling – eliminating the consequences of missile strikes, extinguishing fires after hits, clearing rubble, and searching for people
Along with the new conditions, new challenges have appeared that are impossible to prepare for completely. Work often takes place in a high-danger zone, where the threat does not disappear even during a rescue operation, and every call-out is now not only about helping others but also a risk to one's own life.
Now, during call-outs, we face challenges that practically didn't exist before. First and foremost is working at shelling sites, where there is always a risk of repeated strikes. That is, we are simultaneously saving people and are under threat ourselves. The hardest part is working among completely destroyed houses, when there are fires, smoke, and screams all around. You clear the rubble and don't know what you will see in a few minutes
In addition, working at shelling sites differs significantly from ordinary firefighting, says the rescuer. There is no clear scenario here, and the situation changes every second. Rescuers are forced to act in conditions where every decision can be critical.
Eliminating the consequences of "arrivals" is very different from ordinary fires. During a fire, you more or less understand the situation: there is a source of ignition, there is an algorithm of actions. But after shelling – it's complete chaos. Destroyed buildings, several fire sources simultaneously, people under the rubble, the wounded. And you never know if there will be a second strike. Here we don't just extinguish the fire - we simultaneously search for people, clear rubble, and provide first aid. We often work in very confined spaces where every movement can be critical. And this is a completely different level of responsibility and tension, because every minute can decide whether a person survives
Thus, despite the physical load, the hardest part of this work remains the psychological pressure, because every day Ukrainian rescuers face human grief and loss. This is something that is impossible to fully set aside even after the shift ends.
The most difficult thing now is not even the physical load, although there is a lot of that too. The hardest part is moral. You arrive at the scene and see destroyed houses, people who have lost everything, relatives waiting for news about their loved ones. And you realize that you can't always make it in time or help the way you'd like to. It's especially hard when you're working on clearing rubble and every minute is hope or, conversely, disappointment. This is very psychologically taxing. But we hold on because we know what we are doing it for. And when we manage to save even one life – it gives us the strength to move on, no matter what
What rescuers remember most in their work are the moments that forever change their perception of life. This is an experience that combines the joy of rescue and the pain of loss.
The moments when you find people under the rubble are very memorable. Especially when you manage to pull someone out alive. Those seconds – they outweigh all the fear and fatigue. But there are other moments... when you realize it's already too late. This is hard to accept, and it stays with you. Such situations have a strong impact – you start to look at life differently, value every day and the people around you more. And you understand even more how important it is to do your job to the end
Despite all the difficulties, brave rescuers find the strength to continue their work. They are motivated by the result – saved lives and the support of the team. This is exactly what helps them not to break even in the most difficult conditions. However, under current working conditions, it is especially important to be able to keep a cool head and act in coordination. The rescuer explains: emotions don't disappear, but during work, they have to be pushed to the background.
This comes with experience and training. When you are on a call-out, emotions take a back seat because there is a task, and it must be performed as quickly and clearly as possible. The team helps a lot. When there are people nearby who are just as focused and know their job, you hold on together with them. We support each other and act as one. Of course, fear and emotions don't go anywhere, because we are all human. But during work, you simply don't have the right to let them take over. And after the call-out, everyone experiences it in their own way. The main thing is not to close yourself off and to stick together. This is what helps not to lose a cool head even in the most difficult conditions
Today, Ukrainian firefighters are not only about fighting fire but also about the daily struggle for life in war conditions. Their work has become a symbol of endurance, mutual support, and humanity even in the darkest moments. And despite all the risks, they return every day to where they are needed most.