Itai's Miracle
Approximately one year ago, the Rimmel family was stuck by disaster when their family vehicle was involved in a serious car accident on Road 443 near Ofer Junction. The accident claimed the lives of the mother Tzippi and her infant daughter Noam Rachel and left the father, Ephraim and Itai with serious injuries. MDA Paramedic Akiva Pollack, who arrived on the scene in an intensive care unit fought for Itai’s life, saving him against all odds. One week ago, Akiva was surprised to receive an invitation to Itai’s Bar Mitzva.
Itai, who was seriously injured and had a prolonged extrication was treated at the scene by Akiva Pollack. Pollack treated him at the scene and evacuated him with life threatening injuries to a Jerusalem hospital. Akiva fought for Itai’s life and provided him with life saving treatment while in route to the hospital.
On the fight for his life, Akiva recalled: “We arrived at the scene and I immediately realized that this was a very serious accident. We scanned the scene. Tzippi, Itai’s mother, was first to be removed from the vehicle and was evacuated while undergoing resuscitation and in critical condition. I had a hand on Itai’s chest to make sure he was still breathing. As soon as we could, we put him in an ambulance, performed urgent medical interventions to stabilize his condition and evacuation him to the hospital unconscious and with very serious injuries. I ventilated him the entire way to the hospital, where the doctors continued to fight for his life. Akiva continues: “I followed his condition and returned to the hospital two weeks later. When I was told he woke up and was released, I could not believe it. It is a miracle and just amazing.”
Last week, Itai celebrated his Bar Mitzva. Akiva, the paramedic who saved his life, was surprised to be invited to the event. He said: “Since the accident, I have prayed for his recovery, as do all of my family and friends. I was very excited to receive the invitation and could not imagine how he had made such a quick recovery. Itai’s grandfather hugged me tightly and I could not believe that I saw the boy in front of me who just last year had his life hanging in the balance. Today he was called to the Torah. I told him he gave me strength to continue doing my work. I wish Itai continued success in his rehabilitation and the best of luck.”
Ephraim Rimmel, Itai’s father, recalled: “When I saw Akiva would be in attendance, I felt the most simple sense of gratitude. It was through Akiva that my son’s life was saved. We have the privilege to thank him at the Bar Mitzva. It is a special mitzvah to share our joy and give thanks following the accident that we went through. I want to thank the entire MDA team for the faith, care and concern both on the day of the accident and in the many months following.”
