With the announcement of the petira of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, commanders in Magen David Adom began initial plans for escorting the state funeral.

MDA will have paramedics and EMTs on alert along the levaya route which will begin in Knesset and wind its way southbound to the Sycamore Ranch in the Negev. Regular basic life support and advanced life support ambulances will be involved in the detail as well as units capable of handling mass causality incidents and off the road vehicles.

MDA Chief Eli Bin expressed sorrow over the loss of the former national leader, assuring Israelis that his agency stands ready for any eventuality.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)