MDA israel

Magen David Adom, Israel's National EMS, operated alongside the IDF, Israel Police and the Fire and Rescue Department, throughout the five days of the operation.

All of MDA's emergency vehicles - ambulances, mobile intensive care units (MICU), rapid response units and medicycles were manned 24 hours a day. EMTs and Paramedics, both staff and volunteers took on extra shifts, and MDA's reservist unit was called up to provide additional strength to the front line teams.

MDA's Blood Services also increased calls to the general public, with one blood drive collecting almost 200 units in Jerusalem. Each unit of blood, which is then separated into three components, can save three lives!

The Israeli public, faced with a total of over 1,400 rockets fired at the civilian population, was urged to follow life-saving guidelines from the IDF's Home Front Command, something that helped prevent many injuries and undoubtedly save many lives.

Nevertheless, throughout the days of conflict, Magen David Adom treated a total of 77 patients, 32 with physical injuries, and 45 with stress symptoms. 2 people were killed in the attacks – an 80 year old woman whose building received a direct hit, and an approximately 35 year old male, who lived in the Gaza Strip but was working in Israel. 23 of the patients were injured as they ran for cover in safe rooms, and among the other injured, 1 was in serious condition, 4 in moderate condition, and the rest in mild condition.

"MDA teams are operating at full capacity," said Eli Bin, MDA Director General at one of the briefings during the security escalation. "All the vehicles are manned, and we continue to provide a response to every incident, wherever and whenever we are needed."

Magen David Adom teams remain prepared for any eventuality and in a high state of alert, despite the declaration of a cease fire.