In a historic decision, Israel’s Ministry of Health has licensed Ichud (United) Hatzalah to train and certify EMS personnel, including “ambulance drivers”. While most emergency medical services in large US cities train all EMTs and paramedics to drive ambulances, in Israel, one may work on an ambulance but one does not necessarily have to be a certified driver. To date, only Magen David Adom has been authorized to train and certify EMS ambulance drivers that are recognized by the Ministry of Transportation but now, that monopoly has ended.

Ichud Hatzalah officials report the license from the ministry paves the way for the opening of their Emergency Training Institute, which is going to be headed by internationally acclaimed traumatologist, Professor Avi Rifkind. Prof. Rifkind studied in America’s Shock Trauma Institute in Maryland decades ago, and brought the ground-breaking life-saving technology to Israel. Having used his skills during the First and Second Intifadas and a number of military operations in Gaza and elsewhere, Dr. Rivkind built the Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem trauma unit to become the nation’s leading pre-hospital trauma center. Prof. Rivkind heads the Ichud Hatzalah medical training and works hand in hand with his tream to scrutinize the medical standards of the organization.

Ichud Executive Director Ze’ev Kashash praised the ministry’s decision, adding “I would like to thank the ministry for placing its trust in our organization and recognizing our level of professionalism”.

Ichud submitted its training program to the ministry, a program that includes over 200 hours. The authorization will lead to the opening of the EMS training institute to certify EMTs and ambulance drivers on a most professional level towards improving the level of prehospital care nationwide.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)