Posted on 10/08/23
From Shabbos:
The National Medical and Rescue Organization in Israel; Magen David Adom spokesperson
Following up on the earlier report of a rocket fall in Yavne: Magen David Adom EMTs and paramedics are currently conducting medical assessments on a 20-year-old male in moderate condition. He is fully conscious and has sustained injuries from shrapnel. Further updates will be provided.
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Following the reported rocket fall in the Gederot Regional Council: A direct hit has been confirmed. Magen David Adom EMTs and paramedics are currently providing medical treatment to a 70-year-old woman in critical condition and another trapped individual. Further updates will be provided.
Following the reported rocket fall in Ashkelon: Magen David Adom EMTs and paramedics are currently providing on-site medical treatment to two individuals in mild condition and in conscious. Further updates will be provided.
Casualty update as of 07:55: Magen David Adom EMTs and paramedics have been attending to a total of 16 casualties across the southern and lowland regions. The casualties include:
- A woman in her 60s who was killed due to a direct hit.
- 2 in serious condition.
- 6 in moderate condition.
- 7 with minor injuries.
MDA teams, on high alert, persistently respond to areas of reported missile falls and live firing incidents. In addition to attending to the injured, they are also assisting those experiencing anxiety and minor injuries resulting from falls while heading to sheltered areas.
Magen David Adom urges the public to heed the instructions provided by the Home Front Com…
Due to an urgent need for blood, Magen David Adom's blood services will be organizing a special blood donation drive at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, commencing at 10:00 am. We earnestly request the public's support and participation in this crucial initiative by coming forward to donate blood.
Further information regarding additional blood donation locations will be made available shortly.
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Press Release
Magen David Adom is on high alert
*Using ambulances, MICUs and bulletproof ambulances:
Magen David Adom teams have been providing medical care to dozens of wounded since the morning hours*
At 6:29 this morning, alarms were sounded in the south of the country and in the center, alongside dozens of terrorists who had infiltrated Israeli territory. In the subsequent hours, the Magen David Adom teams, using both ambulances and bullet-proof mobile intensive care units, managed to reach numerous sites and tend to the wounded. This includes a Magen David Adom staff member who was seriously injured by terrorists' gunfire directed at the ambulance.
As of now, the Magen David Adom teams continue to attend scenes in, ambulances, and intensive care units to access further incident sites and administer aid to the injured. Since dawn, Magen David Adom teams have attended to various scenes with casualties ranging from deceased, seriously wounded, moderately hurt, and those with light injuries. Magen David Adom units across Israel remain on high alert, striving to reach all victims in every location.
Magen David Adom urges the public to heed the guidelines of the Home Front Command. During alarms, it's imperative to reach a safe zone carefully and promptly, then wait for 10 minutes as per the instructions of the Home Front Command. These directives are life-saving.
Magen David Adom's blood services have raised an alarm over the acute shortage of blood units, specifically emphasizing the urgent need for type O. To address this, from 10:30 onwards, blood donations are scheduled in Tel Aviv at the Ichilov Medical Center Hospital, at the MDA station in Jerusalem, and the MDA station in Haifa at 34 Yitzhak Sade St.
Magen David Adom wishes to reiterate the gravity of this situation: "We are appealing to the general public - please come to the Magen David Adom collection points and donate blood. This act can potentially save the lives of the injured."
For any medical requirements, dial 101 to reach Magen David Adom.
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Press Release
MDA spokesperson:
In light of the ongoing situation in the south, Magen David Adom has initiated a strategic relocation of patients to ensure their safety and continued care.
Using specially equipped vehicles, Magen David Adom teams are actively transferring casualties from hospitals in the southern regions to hospitals in the central parts of the country. This measure is in place to ensure uninterrupted and optimal medical care for the injured.
As of now, five injured individuals are en route to Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital for further medical attention.
We will continue to provide updates on this evolving situation.
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MDA-Hatzola Air helicopter has just landed at the Belinson Hospital. On board are three individuals with gunshot wounds. They are in moderate condition and remain fully conscious. Magen David Adom teams are ensuring they receive immediate and comprehensive medical care.
From the morning hours of today, Magen David Adom teams have been treating hundreds of victims, and have confirmed death of approximately 40 individuals.
Magen David Adom teams continue to provide medical attention, and evacuating patients to hospitals across Israel. This has entailed treatment for a wide range of injuries, from serious to moderate and minor. Magen David Adom have mobilized all available resources, including ambulances, helicopters, mobile intensive care units, and specialized rescue vehicles such as bullet-proof ambulances, to ensure timely assistance to the injured.
Magen David Adom implore the public to adhere strictly to the directives from the Home Front Command. In the instance of an alert, it's crucial to seek shelter promptly, remaining there for the recommended 10-minute duration. Adherence to these guidelines can be life-saving.
In case of medical emergencies, reach out immediately to Magen David Adom's 101 dispatch center. The dispatch center staff, including EMTs and paramedics, provide essential first-aid guidance to the public until the arrival of Magen David Adom professionals on-site.
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MDA Spokesperson (Update at 17:35):
The current count stands at approximately 70 fatalities and hundreds of seriously injured. The wounded are actively being evacuated in ambulances, mobile intensive care vehicles, and MDA-Hatzola Air helicopters to various hospitals.
Magen David Adom (MDA) strongly urges the public to heed the directives of the Home Front Command. During sirens or alarms, it is imperative to safely and promptly reach the nearest protected area and remain there for a duration of 10 minutes post alarm. These guidelines are life-saving.
For all medical emergencies or guidance, call MDA's 101 dispatch center. MDA's EMTs and paramedics stationed at the emergency center will guide individuals on immediate medical care until the teams reach the location.
Please note: The above data is accurate as of 17:35. Further updates will be disseminated as and when available.
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Following the rocket fire in the past few minutes, reports at this time:
Rishon Letzion - MDA teams treating and evacuating to Shamir Hospital 2 victims aged 28 in serious condition.
Yavne - MDA teams treating and evacuating to Assuta Hospital a 73 year old female in serious condition, and a male aged 77 in mild condition.
Bat Yam - MDA teams treating and evacuating to Wolfson Hospital a 24 year old male in moderate condition.
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Following the rocket fall in Tel Aviv area: Magen David Adom teams treating and evacuating to Wolfson and Ichilov hospitals, 1 individual in moderate condition and 3 individuals in mild condition.
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Cleared for publication
A senior EMT - ambulance driver in MDA, Aharon Chaimov, of blessed memory, was murdered when he was shot this morning in an MDA ambulance on his way to treat the wounded in his city, Ofakim, during a surprise attack on the State of Israel. | MDA Director General: "A person for whom the welfare of others and the value of human life always came first, as was the case today - on this tragic morning."
Magen David Adom deeply mourns the death of its Senior EMT – ambulance driver, Aharon Chaimov, of blessed memory, a 25-year-old resident of Ofakim, who was murdered this morning (Saturday) while fulfilling his duty, going out to save lives and treat the wounded from the combined attack that began this morning on the State of Israel. Aharon, a resident of Ofakim, was injured by terrorist gunfire while going out to treat the victims, and was killed. Aharon left behind two children, a wife, parents, siblings, and family members.
Aharon began his journey in MDA as a service-year volunteer. He later officially joined the organization as an Emergency Medical Technician and subsequently completed the Senior EMT and ambulance drivers’ course. During his 4 years in MDA, Aharon worked with great professionalism, showing exceptional empathy for patients and the wounded, serving as the community’s duty ambulance driver on weekends, and always responding first to any call. Even this morning (Saturday), in the midst of a combined attack on the State of Israel, Aharon went out to save lives and was murdered by the terrorists.
Dani Shtarkman, MDA Ofakim Station Manager, said: "Aharon was a dedicated man who gave his all to save human lives. Ambulance driver and senior EMT of the highest professionalism, he was expected to start the paramedics course in MDA soon. A very responsible and professional individual, always prioritizing the well-being of patients. Aharon was very beloved at the station, very professional, loved his job and giving. Aharon was killed while fulfilling his duty on his way to treat the injured. We will deeply miss him, may his memory be a blessing."
The Director General of MDA, Eli Bin, eulogized Aharon Chaimov, of blessed memory: "In every complex security event, MDA volunteers and employees, each one of them, stand at the forefront to provide professional medical treatment to the wounded and the victims. But Aharon was salt of the earth in and of himself, an example and role model for MDA workers and volunteers. Aharon, a man for whom the welfare of others and the value of human life always came first, as was the case today - on this tragic morning. Aharon's passing has left us deeply sorrowed and appreciating his path. MDA volunteers and employees bow their heads today and embrace the family - an integral part of the MDA family. May his memory be a blessing."
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MDA’s 24-hour activity summary
During the night, MDA teams provided medical treatment to 28 people who were injured in rocket attacks in southern parts of Israel. Among them: 2 in serious condition, 2 in moderate condition, 15 in minor condition and 9 anxiety victims.
Magen David Adom teams all over Israel are currently on high alert.
Magen David Adom ambulances and armored vehicles, are manned by 1,400 volunteers and workers who saves lives, sometimes under fire.
Magen David Adom blood donation operation will continue to hold today blood drives in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Netanya, in the Magen David Adom blood donation area located in Tel Hashomer hospital, and in various locations which continue to update on the Magen David Adom official website.
Since the start of this war, Magen David Adom teams provided treatment to hundreds of injured, among them many who were killed,, and others in serious, moderate and minor condition.
Magen David Adom helicopters made dozens of medical evacuations, and evacuated dozens of civilians and soldiers injured in the field and from hospital in the south to the following hospitals: Sheba, Belinson, Ichilov, Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh)
After primary care in Barzilai Hospital and Soroka Medical Center in the south, dozens of ambulances, mobile intensive care units (MICUs) and Magen David Adom evacuation vehicles transferred injured in all the states of severity to different hospitals spread all across Israel.
Magen David Adom blood services staff collected thousands of blood units from civilians who came in and donated blood with the intent to supply blood to all the hospitals who will use it to treat the wounded.
It is with great grief that Magen David Adom announced the loss of senior EMT, Aharon Haimov, may he rest in peace, who was murdered yesterday in his hometown, Ofakim, from terrorists gun shots, while he was driving an ambulance on his way to save lives.
4 MDA crew members were injured by gunfire, and there are still a few whom connection with them was lost.
MDA calls the public to adhere to the life saving instructions given by the Home Front Command, and in any medical need, dial Magen David Adom's 101 dispatch center.
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MDA paramedics treated victims inside an MDA station, while terrorists fired outside
Georgi Guliak, a senior paramedic at MDA, woke up yesterday morning (Saturday) and went to his regular shift at the MDA station in Sderot. Just before he arrived at the station, he started hearing gunshots on the road he was traveling on. Victims, including those in serious and critical condition, began arriving at the station. As they provided initial medical care, massive gunfire was heard outside. The team decided to lock the doors, take shelter inside the station, and continue treating the severely wounded that remained at the station until they could be evacuated to hospitals in bulletproof MICUs.
After a few hours, Georgi, who was in command of the MDA teams at the Sderot station throughout the day, and the other paramedics, learned that terrorists had taken over the police station in Sderot. In the evening hours, after joint treatment sites for the IDF and MDA were set up, the paramedics began evacuating the injured from the police station under live fire and risking their lives. Some of the injured were transferred to hospitals by helicopter.
After the exchange of fire around the police station subsided, the paramedics and the MDA team continued to provide care and evacuate the injured and deceased within Sderot.
Georgi Guliak, an MDA paramedic, on the harrowing experience: "The terrorists passed just a few meters away from the station as they drove in trucks with submachine guns, firing indiscriminately. If they had turned left, we probably wouldn't be here today. At that moment, we realized the magnitude of the event and that we were under battlefield conditions, at this stage without the reinforcement of additional teams. We fought for the lives of the victims in our station and did everything possible to save their lives."
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Magen David Adom Paramedic shocked to find two of his close friends had been killed
Magen David Adom Paramedic, Shay Kadosh, was responsible for sorting and organizing the wounded and murdered at MDA station in Ofakim throughout the horrific events unfolding yesterday (Saturday). From the early morning hours to late at night, he sorted dozens of casualties in various conditions and triaged them according to level of injury before evacuating them to the hospital.
During the day, two friends of Shay's, two police officers were brought were brought to the sorting area, dead. About an hour earlier, the two officers had been at the same point in order to identify other police officers. Shay had known them for many years, and one of them was his former commander in the army.
Shay describes the experience as extremely difficult: "It's not easy to witness these difficult sights, even though we have faced similar in the past, this war is different from previous rounds of escalation. Many victims arrived to MDA station in Ofakim with various types and levels of injuries. It is not easy scenes to see, especially when it's people close to you. My heart is torn".
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Magen David Adom Paramedic preformed an emergency lifesaving operation on a critically injured patient during an ambulance evacuation and managed to stabilize his condition.
Magen David Adom Paramedic Alisa Krant, was on her Mobile ICU shift in Ashkelon yesterday when a police officer arrived in critical unstable condition to the MDA evacuation point, where the wounded received first aid. While evacuating the patient in the MICU, Alisa preformed an emergency operation on the victim, after which his condition improved significantly, and he was stabilized. The officer arrived at the hospital in critical but stable condition where he immediately went into a trauma room.
Alisa Krant, Magen David Adom Paramedic: "It is a spur of the moment decision, which is not always an easy one to make during an urgent evacuation. In that moment, when the patient’s condition stabilized, the team and I were immensely relived. The fact that the patient was intermittently conscious during the treatment allowed us to also offer him emotional support in addition to medical care. I never let go of his hand the whole time, so he wouldn’t feel alone even for one second."
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Approximately 20 Magen David Adom volunteers from a Yeshiva in Sderot aided yesterday (Saturday) in evacuation and treatment of wounded victims in Sderot
The students of The Afikei Daat Hesder Yeshiva of Sderot woke up yesterday to the sound of red alert sirens. Approximately 30 Magen David Adom volunteers study at the Yeshiva. Yesterday, 20 of the volunteer EMTs, who went to help the teams in the field treat the wounded and those murdered across the city.
Sderot Police Station, which was under Hamas control for hours, is located only 200 meters away from the Yeshiva. That’s why, when situation allowed, MDA volunteers, among them 18 year old Dvir Moradian, a Yeshiva student and MDA volunteer for 3 years, decided to assist wounded police officers at the scene.
During the afternoon hours, the students arrived to MDA station in Sderot, where they were divided into teams and treated wounded who arrived at the station. They were later called to emergency cases around the city and assisted in the provision of medical treatment.
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Magen David Adom spokesman, Zaki Heller: In light of the recent alarms, Magen David Adom teams responded to reports of a projectile impact on the first floor of a two-story residential building in the Ashkelon area. On the scene, Magen David Adom EMTs and paramedics attended to an 8-year-old boy who sustained mild to moderate injuries due to shrapnel, as well as a 40-year-old woman suffering from an anxiety attack. Currently, the teams are scanning the area to ensure no one else is harmed. Further updates will be provided as necessary.