MDA israel

MDA's boat-ambulance began operations this weekend in the Gulf of Eilat and has joined the MDA response vehicles that are available in the city. The boat is equipped with advanced technology and will help improve response times in the sea and on the beaches. It is intended for use for those injured in water-sports, drownings, sea-going incidents, and other incidents along the coast and in difficult to reach areas. 

The boat will be operated alongside many other authorities, including Eilat Municipality, the Navy, Naval Police, and the beach authority. It will carry paramedics and EMTs and provide a rapid response to the dozens of cases that occur during the swimming season. They will be able to evacuate patients to land, where they will be met by an ambulance or MICU for further treatment and transport to hospital. 

The boat - Whaly r500 Professional - can withstand damage that may occur due to proximity to rocks and undergrowth and can travel at up to 35 knots (60kph), can carry up to six people, as well as advanced medical equipment including a defibrillator and airway equipment. 

Yossib Halabi - Director of Immediate Response in the Operations Division: "The boat is intended for use by anyone who require assistance on the beaches and in the sea in particular, such as drowning victims and those feeling unwell on boats, or anyone injured at sea."

Nir Yefet, MDA Paramedic responsible for the sea ambulance in Eilat: "This unique vessel will allow us to save lives in complex areas, even prior to arriving on a beach. The patient will receive initial treatment on the boat, and then be transferred to an ambulance on land, meaning the process will be at its most effective."

MDA Director General, Eli Bin: "We are constantly striving in Magen David Adom to improve response and arrival times, on land, sea and in the air, with the target being to save lives. With the boat-ambulance we can provide care while at sea, in cases where every minute is critical."