What can I do?
How to get started
Volunteering is at the heart of MDA’s values. In order to become a volunteer, participants must undergo a personal interview to test their suitability. Potential volunteers can receive information about applying by calling *8101 ext 4 (Hebrew) or by email info@mda.org.il. Volunteers must also present a certificate of good health. They range from the ages of 15 to 75 and volunteers under the age of 18 are required to provide MDA with parental consent.
Training
Training is a crucial part of the volunteer certification process. Before participants are certified, they must pass a comprehensive basic course. Teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18 are required to pass exams after taking the First Aid Responders’ Course which totals 60 hours. Adults over the age of 18 are required to complete assignments and pass the exam for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course which totals 180 hours. These courses include but are not limited to CPR training and training regarding caring for the sick and wounded.
Course Requirements
The volunteer training course is demanding and requires full participation in each class. Additionally, volunteers must pass all midterms and final exams in order to complete the class. Volunteer courses are periodic as they run based off of the station’s needs and the number of applicants. For adults, the courses typically take place twice a week in the evenings. Youth courses are typically held during holidays so that adolescent volunteers are able to attend without the interference of school.
Volunteering
After completing the courses, volunteers are paired up with an employee who guides them in professionalism. Soon after, volunteers begin their active duties on ambulances depending on what type of training they endured. MDA volunteers can be promoted as time goes on. Some volunteers endure further training in areas such as emergency dispatchers, handling mass casualty events, or learning about the mobile intensive care unit. Volunteers not only gain medical experience but also form friendships and social bonds through tenacity and perseverance.
