Magen David Adom Boosts Readiness for Jewish High Holidays
Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency medical service, is significantly increasing its operational readiness across the country in anticipation of the upcoming Jewish High Holidays, known as the "Chagim." This heightened alert involves deploying additional ambulances, intensive care units, motorcycles, and specialized vehicles to ensure rapid response to medical emergencies.
MDA's sea-ambulance boats, equipped with advanced medical equipment, will also operate at an increased capacity along the coasts of Eilat and the Sea of Galilee during the holidays and the intermediate days of Sukkot (Chol HaMoed). The service's preparedness extends to air support, with MDA's rescue helicopters on standby in the north and south. Thousands of MDA employees and volunteers will remain available for immediate deployment from their homes.
Furthermore, MDA volunteers stationed in synagogues nationwide will be equipped with advanced medical kits and defibrillators to provide immediate first aid. MDA is also urging synagogue wardens to ensure a smartphone is readily available to quickly contact emergency services via the 101 hotline or the "MDA Sheli" app.
The organization's blood services are also preparing for increased demand, urging the public to donate blood at donation sites located in malls, MDA stations, and public areas across Israel. Information on donation site locations is available on the MDA website.
MDA Director General Eli Bin called on the public to exercise increased caution during the holiday period, particularly around children. He advised parents to supervise children closely, keep them away from hot appliances, and be mindful of fish bones, recommending against giving fish to children under five. Bin also stressed the importance of never leaving children unattended in closed vehicles and ensuring constant supervision at beaches and pools, while also adhering to Home Front Command instructions regarding protected spaces.
