Teen Volunteer Recounts Harrowing Moments After Unexploded Ordnance Detonation

A 15-year-old youth volunteer for MDA, Yair Frankental, described the terrifying moments following the detonation of unexploded ordnance near high school students on a trip to Ramim Ridge. The incident occurred on Monday, shortly before 3 p.m., when a munition exploded close to students from a religious high school in Ma'alot. Frankental, who sustained minor injuries from shrapnel to his leg and shoulder, recounted how, despite being wounded himself, he immediately began assessing who needed medical attention. He provided first aid to a severely injured student who was not breathing, performing CPR until MDA paramedics arrived. He also checked on his younger brother, who was hit by shrapnel, and guided a friend in stopping the bleeding while he attended to more critical cases. Frankental expressed relief at his minor injuries and his impending discharge from the hospital. David Radko, a 29-year-old emergency response volunteer for MDA and a resident of Kiryat Shmona, was the first responder on the scene. He was dispatched to the incident while returning from work and navigated difficult terrain to reach the casualties. Radko described the scene as very severe, with injured students scattered and attempting to aid each other. He noted the emotional impact of the event, relating it to his own work as a high school teacher. Radko maintained constant communication with the MDA emergency center, coordinating the arrival of additional teams while providing initial treatment, including controlling bleeding and triaging the wounded. He praised the remarkable cooperation of the injured teenagers, who assisted their friends despite the horrific circumstances.