For the second year in a row, Magen David Adom stations in Israel’s Lachish region (northwestern Negev) participated in a competition to test their skills. Six stations from Ashkelon, Ashdod, Kiryat Malachi, Gam Yaven, Sderot, and Kiryat Gat, joined by four intensive care teams from the Negev, Ayalon, and Jerusalem areas sought to bring home the gold.
“During the year, between routine and emergency events, Magen David Adom works to maintain the competence, alertness, and preparedness of our teams,” said Chaim Kardi, director of MDA’s Lachish region.
The teams were comprised of EMTs and paramedics — staff and both adult and youth volunteers — who were assigned a variety of medical scenarios to test their medical competency and operational acuity. Tasks ran the gamut from treating snakebites, severe asthma attacks, and rescuing a drowning toddler to hazardous chemical and missile attack incidents.
“We watched professional and motivated MDA teams work in cooperation and with peak readiness to save lives,” said Chaim Levin, supervising paramedic of the Lachish region. “I congratulate the ambulance team from the Ashkelon Station, who won first place.”