Ihor V. Zinych (Psykh)

Born on September 6, 1989, in the urban-type settlement of Rokytne, Rokytnianskyi District, Kyiv Oblast. In 2006, he graduated from general education school No. 3 in the urban-type settlement of Rokytne, and in 2009, he graduated from the Bila Tserkva Basic Medical College (Bila Tserkva, Kyiv Oblast) with a specialty in "medical affairs," receiving the qualification of a specialist - "paramedic." Since 2009, he worked at the Bila Tserkva City Hospital No. 2. In 2010-2011, he served in the ranks of the State Special Transport Service of Ukraine. In 2010-2011, he studied at the 8th Training Center of the State Special Transport Service of Ukraine (military unit T0500, Chernihiv). In 2011, he served at the 195th Central Base of the State Special Transport Service of Ukraine (military unit T0710, Kyiv). In 2011-2012, he worked as a paramedic in the emergency medical service of the Rokytnianska Central District Hospital, and from 2012 to 2014, he was an assistant to the district psychiatrist on social issues at the Rokytnianska Central District Hospital. He studied part-time at the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine (Kyiv). In 2014, he was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served as a sanitary instructor in the airborne assault battalion of the 80th Separate Airborne Brigade of the Red Banner Order of the Red Star of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (military unit A0284, Lviv). From November 11, 2014, he participated in the Anti-Terrorist Operation in eastern Ukraine. Call sign "Psycho." On December 17, 2014, Junior Sergeant Zynich, as part of the 3rd Battalion of the 80th Separate Airborne Brigade, entered the territory of the new terminal of Donetsk Airport. For 34 days, he saved the lives of wounded comrades, putting his own life in danger under heavy fire and constant shelling. He organized the work of the medical point and provided psychological assistance to servicemen. From January 16 to 19, 2015, Junior Sergeant Zynich managed to save more than 50 fighters, and in total, during his time at Donetsk Airport, he saved more than 100 lives. In field conditions, he even performed resuscitation actions. On January 9, 2015, he independently conducted an operation to evacuate a seriously wounded soldier, Ihor Rymar, who was hit by an RPG-7 shot at the "Romeo" checkpoint, which was attacked by Russian militants. Stopping the soldier's arterial bleeding from the stump of his left arm, lacerations to the face and neck, he intubated the trachea and supported his vital functions for 10 hours. As a result, soldier Rymar was successfully evacuated to a hospital in Kharkiv. On January 16, 2015, during a gas attack by Russian mercenaries, risking his own life, Junior Sergeant Zynich evacuated 5 servicemen from the attacked posts and provided them with necessary medical assistance. On January 17, 2015, after the fire engulfed and detonated munitions of the consolidated unit, before the arrival of commanders, he took command of the airport's defense: organized guard duty, weapon maintenance, fortification of posts, and defined fire sectors. At the same time, he provided medical and psychological support to servicemen. On January 19, 2015, particularly fierce battles took place at Donetsk Airport. The terminal, where Ukrainian fighters were located, was being shot at from all sides. After the Russian militants blew up the floors of the terminal, Junior Sergeant Zynich received a serious head injury from debris, self-administered first aid, and despite his injury and concussion, continued to help the wounded, whose numbers had significantly increased. The military paramedic decided to stay until the last wounded fighter was evacuated. Attempts to evacuate the fighters were made on January 19 and 20, 2015, but the militants did not allow transport to approach. On January 20, 2015, the militants blew up the second floor of the new terminal of Donetsk Airport. Junior Sergeant Zynich was trapped under the rubble, with a concrete slab breaking his spine. Combat comrades pulled the military paramedic from under the rubble, but soon he died in their arms. Only on February 16, 2015, was the body of Junior Sergeant Zynich evacuated from Donetsk Airport and handed over to his relatives for burial. On February 19, 2015, he was buried in the cemetery of the urban-type settlement of Rokytne. By the decree of the President of Ukraine No. 582/2015 dated October 14, 2015, for exceptional courage, heroism, and indomitable spirit shown in the defense of the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and selfless service to the Ukrainian people, Junior Sergeant Zynich Ihor Viktorovych was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the Golden Star.