PHOTOS: Ichud Hatzalah’s ‘Parade of Heroes’ Ambucycle Event

[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

In light of the continuing wave of terror in Israel a training day was held on Monday 20 Adar-I for the volunteers of Ichud (United) Hatzalah that featured a parade of over 100 ambucycles that were purchased and donated to the organization to help save lives.

The ambucycles which came from international donors from all over the world have been used by the organization to save many lives across Israel in the last year alone.

The organization currently boasts a fleet of over 400 ambucycles and 3,000 volunteer paramedics, EMT’s and doctors who volunteer their time to act as first responders and save lives. The Parade of Heroes included the 100 ambucycles that participated in first responder rescue services in Jerusalem and the surrounding area and were staffed by both Arab and Jewish paramedics, EMT’s and doctors.

During the parade the Ambucycles Unit practiced operational formations and driving techniques in traffic and crowds that enable them to arrive at the scenes of emergencies faster than other modes of transportation such as private vehicles and ambulances. These practice drills were overseen by professional motorcycle driving instructors and the chief driving instructor of the traffic police and his deputy.

Operational training activities such as this allow United Hatzalah’s fleet of ambucycle drivers to arrive at the scene of an emergency while travelling at high speeds without causing or suffering accidents. “In the current wave of terror it is important that our volunteers arrive at the scene of an emergency as fast as possible, for that exact purpose we have our ambucycle program” said United Hatzalah Founder Eli Beer. “Our volunteers arrive on average in less than three minutes due to their ability to travel at high speeds. They receive the best training in driving safety so that traffic accidents almost never happen, allowing them to arrive first and begin treatment immediately”.

“The story of the ambucycle is one of everyday heroes who respond immediately to treat injured people under emergency conditions. Our ambucycle fleet drivers include Arabs as well as Jews and there is a brotherhood among our fleet which is dedicated to saving the lives of those who need help,” Beer added.