Paramedic Recounts Harrowing Ambush While Rescuing Injured on October 7
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
MDA paramedic Dani Shtarkman described being ambushed by terrorists on October 7 while attempting to rescue the injured near Re'im Junction. He reported the attack to dispatch before treating his wounded driver and later helped manage a trauma center that treated about 150 casualties. In the three years since, the region's medical services have been significantly enhanced with armored ambulances and new stations, including one in Kerem Shalom.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Paramedic Dani Shtarkman was ambushed by terrorists on October 7 while responding to casualties near Re'im Junction.
- Shtarkman reported the terrorist presence to MDA dispatch before treating his wounded driver.
- The Ofakim MDA station treated approximately 150 injured individuals from various locations on October 7.
- Since the attack, Gaza border communities have received enhanced medical services, including armored ambulances.
- A new MDA station has been opened in Kerem Shalom to improve response times in Gaza border settlements.
- Shtarkman honored fallen colleagues Aharon Haimov and Amit Man, killed while providing medical aid.
On the morning of October 7, amid the initial alarms and reports of casualties from gunfire near Ofakim and Eshkol, MDA (Magen David Adom) paramedic Dani Shtarkman, head of the Ofakim and Eshkol Regional Council MDA, immediately headed to the Ofakim station in uniform. Understanding the severity of the situation, Shtarkman rushed to the field to provide assistance, stating his commitment to duty and citizens.
While en route to rescue injured individuals near the Re'im Junction, Shtarkman's ambulance was ambushed. Heavy gunfire struck the vehicle, shattering a window and wounding the driver, Peter, in the leg. During the intense encounter, Shtarkman bravely reported the presence of a terrorist cell on motorcycles heading towards Ofakim to the MDA dispatch, even before attending to his injured colleague.
Upon returning to the Ofakim MDA station, a trauma and triage center was established, treating approximately 150 casualties throughout the day who came from Ofakim, the Nova music festival, and Gaza border communities. In the three years since the attack, the region's medical services have undergone significant rehabilitation and strengthening. This includes deploying armored ambulances in Gaza border communities and training local emergency teams.
As part of these enhancements, a new MDA station was opened in Kerem Shalom to bolster Gaza border settlements and reduce response times. Despite the advancements, the memory of MDA personnel killed while treating the wounded, including Aharon Haimov in Ofakim and Amit Man at Kibbutz Be'eri, continues to affect the teams. Shtarkman emphasized the importance of mutual responsibility and hope, stating that unity and collective action are the source of their strength and will lead to a better future.
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