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Magen David Adom presented a certificate of recognition to two El Al cabin attendants who acted promptly and saved a life. The certificates were awarded during a Friends of MDA gala dinner held in Israel.

During the multi-day event MDA’s instructors were acknowledged, for their ongoing training efforts as well as two El Al cabin attendants who had completed a MDA CPR course.

The two were heading to a flight to Tel Aviv literally moments before takeoff near the Beijing Airport. The two, Nitzan Rabinowitz (25) and Mori Levy (22) were close to the airport when Nitzan realized she had dropped her phone. They decided to turn back to look for it and there they ran into a Chinese man about 80, who lost consciousness. They did not hesitate to use their training and began CPR near the train to the airport. They used the automated defibrillator as well, successfully saving his life as his pulse and spontaneous breathing returned. The man was transported to a local Beijing hospital and the two headed to their flight back to Israel.

MDA EMT Shlomi Erez, who was their first aid instructor, praised their actions and the program that continues training Israelis around the country in CPR and basic life-saving efforts and the organization’s expanding Ne’emanei Chaim’ program which permits one who is certified in CPR to download an cellular app.

In the event of a CPR call in the area, the volunteer and others in the area would be notified based on the phone’s GPS reading and they have the option to respond. The program has enrolled thousands to date and is hailed a success by MDA officials.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)