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

A 64-year-old man experienced a severe allergic reaction after eating quinoa for the first time, leading to life-threatening breathing difficulties. The incident occurred at the Ram urgent care center of Meuhedet in Rehovot during early evening hours before the clinic officially opened and before medical staff had arrived. Michal Greenberg, a nurse present at the scene, quickly recognized the anaphylactic shock and administered emergency treatment, including oxygen and an intramuscular adrenaline injection, stabilizing the patient until an ambulance team arrived.

The man had developed widespread rash, severe facial and lip swelling, and a swollen tongue obstructing his airway. Greenberg noted his oxygen saturation dropped sharply within a minute, and she acted immediately despite the absence of a doctor. Her prompt intervention reversed the critical symptoms, and the patient regained stable vital signs and independent breathing.

Further inquiry revealed the patient and his wife were not insured by Meuhedet but received full emergency care regardless. After the ambulance team from Magen David Adom arrived, he was transported to the hospital conscious and stable for continued monitoring and treatment. Greenberg emphasized the urgency, stating, "I understood that we could not wait even a moment."