Representatives of the Maple Hope Foundation and Thornhill Medical join Oleksandr Bugai, Deputy Commander of the Medical Forces, Chief Anesthesiologist of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other Ukrainian representatives, in Kiev on May 11.Flyer
The organizers: Thornhill Medical Employees
The thing: Shipping Emergency Medical Equipment to Ukraine
Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, a consultant for Toronto-based Thornhill Medical reached out to the medical branch of the Ukrainian military to see if the company could help.
Thornhill has developed unique portable technology for use during natural disasters and in war zones. The company’s flagship product is a lightweight battery-operated system called MOVES that produces oxygen, acts as a ventilator and monitors the patient’s condition. Another device, called the MADM, vaporizes and delivers gas anesthesia for surgical procedures. Both are extremely robust and easy to transport.
In May 2022, Thornhill donated four MOVES packs and two MADM kits to the Ukrainian armed forces for use on the frontline and in hospitals. Thornhill also sent four employees to train about 100 civilians, military surgeons and anesthesiologists on how to use the equipment.
A few weeks ago, another 30 MOVES packages were sent to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense in a donation organized by the Maple Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization based in British Columbia that provides first aid supplies and financial support to people across Ukraine. . The packs were donated to Maple Hope by the Canadian government, which has purchased nearly 1,000 MOVES packs for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thornhill also sent personnel to train Ukrainian military doctors.
“It’s very gratifying to know that our technology is so relevant,” said Lesley Gouldie, CEO of Thornhill. “I think people are so grateful that they have some solutions that can take care of the injured on the spot.”
Mrs. Gouldie said Thornhill, which has about 70 employees, grew out of a research project at Toronto’s University Health Network in 2004. The US Marine Corps was looking for portable medical equipment that would negate the need for troops to carry tanks. bulky oxygen tanks, which can be dangerous in a war zone. Oxygen is critical to battlefield care because wounded soldiers and civilians are often in shock and their oxygen levels drop. Thornhill products are now used around the world and have played a key role in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The good thing is that the technology is being used in Ukraine for the purpose it was built for,” said Ms. Gouldie. “And that’s rewarding, even though it’s only under the most horrible circumstances.”