Magen David Adom operates regularly to ensure its response time is as short as possible, and that its service is effective and of the highest quality in order to save as many lives as possible.

One of the tools developed by MDA to achieve these goals, is the “My MDA” mobile app which enables, with a quick of a button, to directly contact the EMTs and paramedics at MDA’s 101 dispatch center, and share the emergency’s precise location. Additionally, in order to streamline the process, users can plug medical data such as chronic diseases, allergies, medicine sensitivities, previous illnesses, and more, into the app ahead of time. The data will instantly be shared with the ambulance team prior its arrival to the scene. Additionally, the app offers a chat conversation feature for the speaking and hearing impaired, as well as live video streaming from the scene to the dispatch center. “My MDA” also enables sharing photos from the scene with the EMTs and paramedics at the center so they can accurately evaluate the emergency situation.

In order to better the service provided by MDA, the app has been revamped with several features over the last few days, with the most important being the location identification feature. Thanks to this update, users can now share their location with MDA dispatchers even when they are found in areas with no internet connection. Despite the lack of service, the app will immediately identify and transmit the patient’s location to MDA’s command and control system. The feature is especially vital for travelers found in areas with no internet connection who may find themselves in dangerous situations.

Ido Rosenblat, MDA Director of IT: “We constantly operate towards improving MDA services and making them accessible to all parts of the population, with the most important task being knowing the patient’s location in order for an MDA team to reach them as soon as possible and provide them with medical treatment.”

Through “My MDA”, there is now access to integrated information from the Red Cross and MDA such as simple and clear explanations, illustrations and videos. The content is accessible without internet connection. This way, the app assists in lifesaving in areas without internet connection such as the outdoors or outside of Israel. Additionally, the app language can be changed independently of the language of the mobile device, a capability that wasn’t available until now.

MDA Director General, Eli Bin: “MDA, as Israel’s national rescue organization, is obligated to maintain full accessibility to each and every one of Israel’s residents and enables them to enjoy rapid medical response that is effective and professional. Therefore, MDA has been working towards revamping its mobile app and adapting it to its users’ needs. I call the public to download the app to their mobile phones and to simultaneously continue to enroll in MDA’s First Aid courses.”

In line with a MDA request, Chief Rabbi Dovid Lau Shlita calls on the gabbai of each shul to be certain there is a smartphone in shul connected to the smart app.

The app is free and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)