Defender of Mariupol, who miraculously survived fire and lost his arm at Azovstal, gets prosthesis in Lviv

Saturday, 11 February 2023, 13:49

Oleksandr, a defender of Mariupol, who lost an arm during the defence of Azovstal steel plant, has been fitted with a mechanical prosthesis in Lviv.

A 46-year-old maritime border guard with the eloquent surname Morskyi (Naval) defended Mariupol and was held in Olenivka prison camp.

At the Nezlamni (Unbreakable) National Rehabilitation Center, Oleksandr was fitted with a prosthesis and assisted during his recovery.

The fighter's story is told in the First Medical Association of Lviv.

"He still feels a hand that isn't there. Oleksandr Morskyi had it amputated at Azovstal", the doctors say.

All photos: First Medical Association of Lviv

Oleksandr Morskyi served in Mariupol, and after retiring, he stayed there to live. The man also defended the city during the beginning of a full-scale invasion.

"March. Another combat mission: we need to transport the Ukrainian troops to the other side. Suddenly, their boat catches fire, hit by a Russian missile.

Three brothers were killed on the spot. Oleksandr, whose clothes were burning, managed to get out of the burning boat. He says he was saved by a guardian angel", they say in the Medical Association.

A 46-year-old maritime border guard with the eloquent surname "Morskyi" defended Azovstal and was captured

Only at the base checkpoint did the defender notice that his arm was injured. Oleksandr received first aid, but his arm had to be amputated for him to survive.

The operation was carried out in the shelter hospital on Azovstal, which the defenders called "Zaliziaka" ("Piece of iron") among themselves.

For two months, the soldier was under fire; then, he spent just as much time in the Russian captivity in Olenivka.

"Oleksandr was one of the first people to be exchanged. He says he felt at home when he saw the Ukrainian flag and heard his native language", the doctors added.

Oleksandr was able to get out of the flames on a boat and survived, but his arm on Azovstal had to be amputated

At first, the defender was treated in Kyiv, and then came to Lviv, despite offers to go abroad.

A team of physical and occupational therapists, as well as prosthetists, worked with Oleksandr at the Nezlamni Center for several months.

At the same time, the man underwent psychological rehabilitation for several months in order to recover from this experience.

Oleksandr was among those who were exchanged first. The defender received a mechanical prosthetic arm in the Nezlamni Center

Recently, Oleksandr received a mechanical prosthetic hand.

Now, with the help of his right arm and back muscles, he can lift and carry objects again.

The defender's prosthesis was also installed thanks to the Maltese Aid Service.

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