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Nineteen Canadian physicians have joined Magen David Adom’s international medical team. This team includes doctors and EMS professionals on different levels from around the world who will respond to Israel to assist in case of an emergency situation chas v’sholom such as a major earthquake. The unit was established about two years ago and to date, includes 100 physicians from France who are now joined by the Canadian physicians.

Some of these doctors also contribute their professional services by volunteering during their vacations.

During three days of lectures by MDA personnel in Jerusalem, the doctors heard about trauma situations as well cardiac patients. They joined paramedics on board intensive care units and completed the course in an IDF base whey they participated in a various training scenarios including terror vehicular ramming attacks and a drive-by shooting attack. They were also given opportunity to speak with an IDF battalion physician.

Course instructor MDA paramedic Eliezer Assulin explains “during the course we reviewed basic CPR and advanced resuscitation (ACLS) because the participating physicians come from different backgrounds, with some quite proficient in these skills while others less so. All of the participants were impressed with the scope of the training and capabilities of the MDA personnel, realizing a 20-year-old can perform skills in the field in an emergency situation that only a trained physician can do in Canada”.

Dr. Albert Rosengarten, a gynecologist who took part in the program responded with a MDA team to a call for a woman in labor. They delivered the baby and the placenta and the doctor then examined the mother prior to transport to Shaare Zedek Hospital. He had nothing but praise for the program and the week he spent in a new atmosphere, acquiring new skills.

“I was particularly impressed with the MDA paramedics. There is an amazing number of volunteers providing medical care on a high level. I hope to visit against soon” explained Dr. Rosengarten.

MDA Chief of Operations Eli Bin thanked the doctors for taking of their valuable time to join the international unit. “There can be no doubt that Jewish doctors from around the world feel a connection to the Jewish People in Eretz Yisrael and we are pleased to permit them to be among those who will respond to assist in a time of need”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)