By Anastasiya Gribanova
What began as a field tool has now been rolled out across Ukraine, with 3,000 units distributed to hospitals and front-line medics, like Andriy Alban who says he has come to rely on the device.
He often works while under fire, in trenches or makeshift outdoor clinics, and sometimes without local anaesthetic.
“My job is to save lives – bandage wounds and get soldiers evacuated,” he says.
There has been no official certification of the magnetic extractor.
The Ukrainian Health Ministry says medical devices must comply fully with technical regulations. However, in exceptional cases, such as martial law or a state of emergency, the use of uncertified devices is allowed to meet the needs of the military and security forces.
At the height of war, there’s no time for red tape, mastermind Oleh explains. “These devices save lives. If someone thinks my actions are a crime, I’ll take responsibility. I’m even prepared to go to jail if it comes to that. But then all the doctors who use these devices should be incarcerated too,” he adds half jokingly.
David Nott agrees that certification is not a top priority for now and believes the device could prove helpful in other war zones such as Gaza.
“In war, it’s not really necessary. You only do the things which are important to save lives.”
Back in Lviv, Serhiy’s wife Yulia is just grateful her husband survived his injury.
“I just want to praise those people who invented this extractor,” she says tearfully. “Thanks to them, my husband is alive.”