MDA Italian Friends Activities
Magen David Adom Friends society in Italy has been very busy!
On the 23rd of May, a special night was held in Rome in favour of Marcus National Blood Services Centre’s operativity. The event was organized with the patronage of The Jewish Community of Rome, the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI) and the Israeli Embassy. More than 100 guests attended. Journalist and writer Nathania Zevi introduced the personalities of the night: the community Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni; Israeli Ambassador Alon Bar; AMDA Italy National Chairman Dr. Sami Sisa; Chief of the Rome section of AMDA Italy Dr. Cesare Efrati; vice President MDA UK Mrs. Judy Saphra; Senior paramedic and Director of Great Emergencies Felix Lotan and paramedic instructor Giada Hachmoun Baum.
Lotan, in his speech, spoke of MDA history and its central role assumed not only in Israel but in the whole world as first aid and emergency organization, NGO’s and part of the International Red Cross. He illustrated the “Olive branches” mission he led in Turkey in February and how they rescued 19 alive people buried under the rubble.
On the next day, Lotan – helped by Dr Jacopo Jona Falco, held an advanced first aid class in Milan for a public of twenty people (among them, family doctors, medical school students and nurses). He stressed the importance of the bandage to stop the bleeding from injured victims as fast as possible, since most deaths occur exactly due to bleeding. Lotan showed real videos of terrorist attacks and accidents occurred in Israel, underlying the importance of being prepared to casualties and following a simple, effective protocol developed by MDA and based on a few simple principles. A practical part of the class followed.
Just three days later, MDA representatives were sharing their experiences and skills in front of some of a two hundred people gathered at the Second International Medical Seminar Italy – Israel on MCI Medicine and Disaster Medicine, held in Cuneo – Italy – and organized by Dr. Mario Raviolo, Disaster Medicine service 118 Director in Piedmont, who strongly wanted this exchange, proud of the fruitful collaboration with MDA over the years. Israel was also represented by two of the highest authorities on this matter: Dr. Kobi Peleg and Dr. Ofer Merin.
This was a great opportunity of sharing knowledge, especially after the Turkey earthquake, were both MDA and the Italian Department of Maxi-Emergences of 118 Piedmont were on the front-line saving lives.
They combined their strengths: MDA rescued people trapped under the debris and the 118 personnel set up a field hospital, thus replacing the no more existent local health care.
We at AMDA Italy cherish occasions like these in which MDA and Italian Emergency and First Aid Organizations meet and share know-how and protocols, in order to be even better prepared for ordinary and especially mass casualties and catastrophes.
As Dr Raviolo underlines the human aspects of professionals and volunteers in first aid organizations: they are humble and empathetic, and cries with the victims. He adds, “I have dedicated my whole life at emergency. This is the most beautiful job in the world, and I could not do anything else. During missions we enter in people’s heart. … we get so much gratitude just for a simple medication”.
