MDA israel

When her father exhibited unusual behavior, an MDA youth volunteer suspected a stroke and urged her mother to immediately transport him to hospital, where medical staff discovered a life-threatening brain infection that could have resulted in death if not for the rapid recognition

Lena Liani, a ninth-grade student from Tel Aviv and participant in an MDA first aid course, was just days before her mid-course examination requiring demonstration of stroke symptom recognition.

Upon returning home from school, she noticed her father's unusual behavior: "He wasn't speaking clearly, making strange movements and collapsed on the couch."

She immediately performed medical assessments that she had learned in training and realised it was a potential stroke. "I told my mother we must take him to hospital," Lena stated.

"Upon hospital arrival, they sedated and intubated my father, identified not stroke but a life-threatening brain infection, and informed us that without rapid treatment, my father might not be with us."

Lena described her response following the incident: "I feel proud that I attended MDA and had tools to recognize something was wrong. I believe everyone should know basic identification of such cases. I joined MDA to help people and save lives - I never imagined it would affect me this way and I could save my father's life."

"After I woke up, they told me about Lana's role and her quick response in treating me. I am endlessly grateful to Lena," Rafael stated, addressing all parents: "I have one recommendation for all parents - send your children to MDA!"