Oleh Girman

The person who has lived through this understands that life can end very quickly.

Oleh Girman is a farmer from the village of Slobozhanske, Kharkiv Oblast — one of Ukraine’s most mine-contaminated areas. During the retreat, russian troops left mines in houses, playgrounds, roads, forests and fields.  To start the sowing season, the man helped deminers in the field and created a special remote-controlled tractor.

In October 2023, Oleh was putting up “Caution — mines!” signs when a device detonated.

No one wanted to go to the field where 60-70 OZM-72 anti-personnel mines were found. I thought I already understood, but I didn’t notice the stick in the burnt grass. I accidentally hit it — and only heard an explosion. I fell, looked to the sky and thought that, probably, that’s it — my life is over.

Oleh was lucky that a relative was nearby, who immediately called an ambulance. He was taken to a hospital in Kharkiv, where a complex six-hour surgery was performed using an X-ray machine purchased thanks to UNITED24.

Without this device, it would be impossible to operate on such a critical patient. If it were not for the С-Arm device, the patient would be completely disabled, not feeling anything except their head

says neurosurgeon, Dmytro Gubin

Currently, Oleh cannot walk, but he does not lose heart. The man is undergoing rehabilitation and exercises every day.

Sensation is gradually returning. I have a will to walk on my own, so I have to believe and work hard. This is my new life, and I need to realize that it will be different.

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