Israeli Rescue Unit Shares Crucial Desert Survival Tips Amid Rising Wilderness Incidents

As part of the national "Project 0" safety initiative, reporter Moshe Mens ventured into the heart of the Judean Desert to meet Dan Assoulin, deputy commander of the Dead Sea Scrolls Rescue Unit of the Israeli Police. The unit frequently responds to emergencies during the "bein hazmanim" vacation periods when hundreds of thousands of ultra-Orthodox families and yeshiva students explore the desert's beauty. However, the desert's harsh conditions leave no room for carelessness, with heatstroke, dehydration, and disorientation posing life-threatening risks.

Assoulin highlighted common dangerous mistakes such as hiking with baby strollers on rocky trails, driving private vehicles on 4x4 paths leading to vehicles getting stuck, carrying gear in plastic bags instead of backpacks, and wearing heavy, non-breathable clothing that traps heat. He emphasized the critical difference between dehydration and heatstroke, warning that drinking water alone does not prevent heatstroke, which can cause immediate brain damage.

A major challenge in desert rescues is the lack of cellular reception, especially on kosher phones without GPS capabilities. Assoulin advises making an "emergency call" to 100 even when the phone shows no signal, as all networks must prioritize emergency calls. He also recommends designating a contact person at home who can alert authorities if hikers do not return on time.

The rescue unit utilizes police helicopters to reach remote or cliffside locations quickly, significantly reducing response times. Assoulin stressed that emergency rescues in Israel are free of charge and urged people not to hesitate to call for help. Key safety rules include never splitting up, avoiding direct contact with venomous animals, staying put if lost, and carrying essential equipment such as closed hiking shoes, hats, at least five liters of water per person, and a reliable flashlight.

Assoulin concluded by reminding hikers to consider their families waiting at home and to plan carefully to ensure a safe return. The next episode of "Project 0" will focus on drone-assisted rescues in inaccessible terrain, featuring Yossi Amar, commander of United Hatzalah's drone unit.