MDA israel

Last November, Uriel Reubens (60), collapsed during a routine drive, while close to Kibbutz Givat Chaim Ichud. The truck driver who was with him immediately realized what was happening, stopped the truck, and called MDA's 101 Emergency Call Center. The dispatcher instructed the driver how to perform CPR, while dispatching an MDA ambulance from the nearby Kibbutz Givat Chaim Meuchad, as well as a mobile intensive care unit (MICU). 

Moments later, the MDA ambulance, with EMT Orly Keinan and her son, Roi Gimpovitch, arrived at the scene. They began performing CPR, connected a defibrillator, gave Uriel one shock, and then his pulse returned. The MICU team then conveyed Uriel to Hillel Yafe Hospital in Hadera. Only once Uriel recovered, did his saviours realize that he lives on a nearby moshav, and that they actually know him!

Recently, they had the chance to reunite in Uriel's home on Moshav Ahituv. 

"I woke up three days later in hospital," said Uriel, "but didn't remember anything. They told me that I was in the truck and the driver noticed I'd lost consciousness, he called MDA on 101, and Orly was so close, it was amazing. She arrived with Roi, they gave me a defibrillator shock, and I came back to life. Thanks to Orly, Roi, and the defibrillator, and the fact they were so close, I'm alive today." 

Youth Volunteer Roi and his mother, MDA EMT Orly: "The truck driver stopped the truck in the middle of the road and immediately started doing CPR, with the dispatcher in the 101 Emergency Call Center giving clear instructions. We were at his side in moments, attached the defibrillator, and quickly shocked his heart - which restarted. This whole time, Uriel, we didn't realize it was you. We were so engrossed in the treatment, that we just didn't understand it at the time. To see you at home today, and give you a hug, feels incredible. These calls, where we are quickly on scene and saving lives with the defibrillator, is what gives the strength to keep saving even more lives!"