258: Volunteer Medical Safety in Ukraine with Nicholas

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis interviews Nicholas Samuels, a humanitarian worker in Ukraine, discussing the critical aspects of medic safety, planning for evacuations, and the importance of understanding the broader context of the ongoing war. Nicholas shares insights on the challenges faced by medical volunteers, the necessity of being aware of threats like drone warfare, and the balance between mobility and capability in medical operations. He emphasizes the need for thorough planning, patience, and the importance of gathering accurate information before engaging in humanitarian efforts.

Takeaways:

Prioritize your own well-being as a medic. Outsourcing security to others is not advisable. Drones pose a significant threat in modern warfare. Planning for evacuations should account for delays. Gathering accurate information is crucial for operations. Patience is essential for new volunteers. Training should not be rushed before deployment. Understanding the local context is vital for safety. Volunteers can help by fundraising and raising awareness. War is about more than just combat; it’s about values and morality.