Nurse Saves 64-Year-Old Man From Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction at Closed Clinic

A 64-year-old man experienced a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction after eating quinoa for the first time, prompting an emergency visit to the closed urgent care center (RAM) at Meuhedet in Rehovot. The incident occurred early evening before the clinic officially opened and before medical staff arrived. Michal Greenberg, a nurse present at the RAM, quickly recognized the anaphylactic shock symptoms, including severe swelling of the tongue and face, and rapidly declining oxygen saturation.

Acting within her emergency authority, Greenberg immediately administered an intramuscular adrenaline injection and provided oxygen, stabilizing the patient until the arrival of the Magen David Adom mobile intensive care unit (Natan). The man’s condition improved significantly, with normalized vital signs and restored independent breathing. Despite not being insured by Meuhedet, the patient received full life-saving treatment and was transported to the hospital conscious and stable.

Greenberg described the urgency: "I understood that we could not wait even a moment. His tongue had swollen into a ball, and his skin was red and itchy all over. It was clear he was in a life-threatening condition." The rapid intervention prevented a fatal outcome and highlighted the critical role of trained nursing staff during emergencies, even outside regular clinic hours.