Health Ministry Warns Public on Unlicensed Emergency Services
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israel's Ministry of Health has warned the public about two companies, "Matzil Hayim" and "Hana Ambulance," operating without proper authorization in emergency medical services. "Matzil Hayim" allegedly provided unaccredited training, potentially requiring retakes, while "Hana Ambulance" lost its operating license after repeated violations, including misrepresenting ambulance capabilities. The Ministry urges the public to verify credentials before engaging such services.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Health Ministry warned the public about two unauthorized emergency medical service providers.
- "Matzil Hayim" allegedly issued unaccredited training certificates for EMTs and ambulance drivers.
- "Hana Ambulance" lost its operating license due to repeated violations and a failed court appeal.
- The Ministry stressed the importance of verifying company credentials before purchasing services.
- Improperly trained individuals may need to retake courses to meet transport ministry requirements.
The Israeli Ministry of Health issued warnings on Tuesday regarding two companies operating in the emergency medical services sector, urging the public to verify credentials before purchasing training or ambulance services. One company, "Matzil Hayim" (Saving Lives), has allegedly issued certificates to trainees who completed emergency medical technician and ambulance driver courses, despite the company not being authorized for such training for the past three years. The Ministry clarified that individuals trained by "Matzil Hayim" may need to retake their training at a recognized institution, as the Ministry of Transport requires certification from an approved entity to issue ambulance driver permits.
In a separate warning, the Ministry announced that "Hana Ambulance," which has provided emergency medical services and patient transport from the Shefa-Amr area since 2018, is no longer authorized to operate. This decision followed an extended period of supervision and control, prompted by accumulated complaints over the last three years. Ministry inspections revealed repeated instances of the company operating ambulances improperly, including presenting regular ambulances as intensive care units without proper authorization or equipment, and using unqualified medical staff.
The Ministry also noted that "Hana Ambulance" lost a legal battle against the decision to cease its operations, with its petition being rejected by the court. The Ministry reiterated its call for the public to ensure that companies offering emergency medical training or ambulance services possess the appropriate authorizations, directing them to the Ministry's website or the "Kol HaBriut" hotline for further information.
