MDA israel

Dozens of Presidential certificates of excellence were presented to National Service volunteers at the President's residence, in the presence of President Yitzchak Herzog and other dignitaries. Among those awarded was a Magen David Adom National Service Volunteer Paramedic - Yahav Tal Kakun. "She faces multiple challenges and is extraordinarily dedicated to her job, staying extra hours of her own accord and invests great efforts for the patients. She is an inspiration to Israeli society."

Yahav, 21, lives in Beer Ganim and is in her second year of national service. She started in MDA as a youth volunteer at the age of 16, and today, alongside her day-to-day role, she also instructs and mentors new paramedics. "We are full of pride in Yahav," said MDA Lachish Region Director Haim Karadi. "She is professional and responsible and acts only for the good of her patients at every moment. We hope that she will continue to grow with the organization and continue saving lives." 

"Our DNA is composed of the best human resources," said MDA Director General Eli Bin, "professional and of high quality. We are proud of Yahav's award. She is a dedicated National Service volunteer who always acts above and beyond in order to help and provide assistance." 

MDA Paramedic Yahav Tal Kakun: "I was very surprised when I heard that I had won the award. I had no idea I'd been recommended, and it was a special and moving moment of my career in MDA. I was thrilled to receive the award, to meet the President and the Prime Minister, who told us that he is very proud of us and that we inspire the younger generation. 

The National Service Paramedic program began in 2016, and since then 220 paramedics have been trained by MDA through the unique scheme. Throughout the first year of training the participants learn how to provide high-quality advanced medical care, to identify and treat life-threatening illness and injury, and once reaching the desired paramedic qualification, join the MICU teams in the field for two years of exciting and fulfilling work. At the end of their service, the paramedics can join MDA as full time employees and continue their life-saving career.