Magen David Adom Honors 20 Rescuers Killed on October 7, Details Service Enhancements
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
Magen David Adom (MDA) marked the third anniversary of the October 7th attack by honoring 20 employees killed, including three abducted and later returned medics. The organization detailed significant enhancements to its services since the attack, including a fleet expansion to over 100 armored ambulances and five helicopters. MDA also reported a surge in volunteers and first aid training, with over 21,600 calls handled on October 7th alone.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Magen David Adom honored 20 employees killed during the October 7th Hamas attack.
- Three medics, including two paramedics, were abducted and their remains returned in 2025.
- MDA's armored ambulance fleet grew from 20 to over 100 vehicles since the attack.
- The number of MDA medical helicopters increased from three to five.
- Over 5,000 new volunteers joined MDA, and 17,800 citizens received first aid training.
- MDA dispatch centers received over 21,600 calls on October 7th, five times the daily average.
On the third anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attack, Magen David Adom (MDA) commemorated 20 of its emergency service personnel who perished during the assault. Seven of these individuals were killed while providing aid to the wounded under fire. Three medics, including paramedics Ronen Engel from Kibbutz Nir Oz and Lior Rudayeff from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, were abducted and taken to Gaza, with their remains returned to Israel for burial in October and November 2025. Terrorists also targeted ambulances, damaging 18 vehicles and completely destroying eight in the initial days of the war. On the morning of October 7th, MDA leadership convened at the National Joint Dispatch Center, rapidly adjusting operations amid reports of rocket fire, casualties, and infiltrations. The night shift was ordered to remain on duty, and the national alert level was raised to maximum. All available ambulances and dispatch positions were staffed with additional personnel, and armored vehicles were redeployed to the south, maintaining a reserve for the northern border. MDA dispatch centers handled over 21,600 calls on October 7th alone, approximately five times the usual daily volume, with hundreds of ambulances evacuating casualties from Gaza border communities. Medical helicopters also played a critical role, evacuating the injured from affected areas, with one sustaining damage from shrapnel. MDA coordinated medical evacuations with the Israeli Air Force and expanded blood drives, with thousands volunteering to donate blood in the following days. The Marcus National Blood Services Center processed and distributed blood under wartime conditions. In the three years since the attack, MDA has significantly enhanced its emergency response capabilities. The organization's fleet of armored vehicles has grown from 20 to over 100, with a total of approximately 2,000 ambulances. The number of medical helicopters has increased from three to five. Additionally, around 5,000 new volunteers have joined MDA since October 7th, and over 17,800 citizens have completed first aid training through the "Magen" project. MDA Director General Eli Bin stated that October 7th demonstrated the courage and dedication of medics who risked their lives to reach the wounded under fire.
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