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When I asked myself why MDA?, no clear answer came to mind. I found it difficult to put into words why I chose to fly half way around the world, emerse myself in a society I do not know, and to speak a language I barely can understand with hardened, jaded Israeli paramedics. Why would I volunteer my time and money (yes, you have to pay to volunteer in Israel) to help citizens of a country to which I do not belong?
The answer to this question can only be answered by seeing it for yourself. Witnessing a delivery of a beautiful baby girl (twice and counting!) right infront of your eyes, an elderly woman who needs nothing but to hold your hand during the trip to the hospital after a fall, or even the sense of cohesion as part of a team of paramedics all working as one to help save a life during CPR. The experiences you have in the ambulance are no longer harrowing trips to the hospital, but full of joking, music and good friends. Seeing fellow volunteers in ambulance bays, swapping cool stories of calls and even going out together after shift. These are parts of MDA not apparent at a first glance, and I have to argue, that they are the best.
In the phot Ariel is the one the left side of the photo
I still find it hard to wake up at 5:30 every morning and drag myself into the station with nothing but instant coffee in my stomach. But despite my best efforts, I am hopelessly addicted to the MDA program.
Staying home one weekend in order to volunteer during a thursday or friday overnight shift, or working 16-24 hours straight are meerely challenges awaiting completion. There is no better feeling than the moked calling your ambulance with the one magical word: 'dachuf' (urgent). No matter how tired, hungry or cranky you are that morning, those sirens are medicinal.
My initial 60 hour course program ended nearly 2 months ago and I still go in every morning ready for work. I plan on continuing MDA for another few months until my ulpan for the army starts. I dont feel like a tourist in the station anymore, instead, like a fellow employee, teammate and friend. Making jokes (in my shaky Hebrew), playing pranks and building friendships are just but a few of the many benefits you stand to gain from participating in MDA.
I highly recommend MDA for any young ambitious volunteer, come to Israel and save some lives with me!
Ariel Riesenbach. Toronto, Canada (Age 23)
The Canadian Desk reported that Ariel is participating in an advanced 88 hour course which is running these days together with 21 other graduates of the Yochai Porat Overseas Volunteer Program.
YOU TOO CAN SAVE LIVES!
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