Magen David Adom Issues Yom Kippur Safety Guidelines Amid High Call Volume

Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency medical service, has released safety guidelines ahead of the upcoming Yom Kippur fast in 2026. The organization anticipates receiving over 3,000 medical calls during the holiday, similar to previous years. To manage this, approximately 39,000 MDA employees and volunteers will be on standby, with ambulances ready for immediate dispatch.

Common calls during Yom Kippur include individuals feeling unwell due to fasting, dehydration, injuries from bicycles and scooters, children hurt during play, and pregnant women experiencing labor pains. MDA is also preparing for potential security alerts, advising the public to know the location of protected spaces and for parents to ensure children are aware of safety protocols in open areas and how to react to sirens.

MDA recommends drinking at least two liters of water before the fast begins, reducing caffeine intake, and avoiding excessively salty foods and sugary drinks. During the pre-fast meal, a balanced intake of complex carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vegetables is advised to promote sustained fullness. Individuals with chronic medical conditions, the elderly, and pregnant women are urged to consult their doctors before fasting.

The organization is also highlighting the risks of dehydration, with symptoms including weakness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, urging special attention to infants, children, and the elderly. Paramedics will also be available to administer prescribed hormonal injections to women undergoing fertility treatments, provided prior coordination and a doctor's referral are in place.

MDA emphasizes road safety, urging parents to check bicycles and scooters for proper functioning, especially brakes and tires, and to ensure helmets and protective gear are worn. They remind the public that even with lighter traffic, safety rules must be followed, referencing past fatal accidents on Yom Kippur. Following the fast, MDA suggests breaking it gradually with fluids and light food before a more substantial meal.