The eventful Yomtov of Sukkos provides families with the opportunity to get out and travel the country. In light of that, the amount of emergency calls received at MDA’s dispatch centers rises, and MDA teams are required to tend to emergencies of hikers and travelers as well as people building Sukkahs or engaging in other holiday preparations. In order to respond to the increased amount of emergency calls, MDA teams are prepared and are on high alert throughout Israel. The organization’s two helicopters stationed in the north and south, will also be on standby.

Alongside enhance preparedness of MDA teams, the organization is sharing its full guide for a safe Sukkos:

During the upcoming yomtov many are predicated to visit national parks and hiking trails to enjoy the last sunny days before winter. In this time of year, MDA is used to respond to cases of dehydration, car accidents as well as rescuing travelers left without food and water.

Attention:

• If you plan on going on a trip, carry large amounts of water with you. Cold water is preferred, with no less than three liters per person. It is recommended to wear long pants, a wide hat, long sleeved shirts, closed, high shoes and avoid sandals.
• Avoid excess exposure to sun as it may cause skin diseases and burns. Carry sunscreen with high SPF and apply it every few hours.
• On hot days and while spending time outdoors we tend to lose liquids and sodium due to sweating, which may cause dehydration. Therefore, do not go outdoors during the hottest hours of the day.
• Hike through official trails only. Always hike with at least another person.
• Look after children and infants inside and outside of the car. Do not leave children in parked cars even for a few minutes. Cars heat up very quickly which may pose a risk of death. Do not leave children unattended in cars, even when the AC is turned on and the windows are open. Additionally, always keep a bottle of water in the backseat for children, and on long rides, use a piece of cloth to cover the window and create shade in the back of the car.
• During the trip, do not pick up and turn over rocks and stones, avoid walking through shrubbery and ensure to only wear shoes and long pants. These days, at the end of the hot season, MDA continues to receive emergency calls about snake bites around Israel.
• It is recommended to install the “My MDA” mobile app that includes a First Aid guide, which enables calling MDA teams with a click of a button and automatically broadcast the user’s precise location to the dispatchers, even in areas that lack internet service.
• Be careful near bodies of water! Do not let infants and children come near bodies of water without adult supervision. It is prohibited to swim in beaches without a lifeguard’s supervision. Please make sure to set up fences around private swimming pools and shut bathroom doors inside homes in order to prevent children from entering bodies of water that may endanger their lives.
• Attention: a lot of traffic is expected throughout all roads in Israel during the holiday. Do not drive carelessly, use your cellphone while driving, the radio, or anything else that may distract you from the road.
• It is recommended to carry an MDA First Aid kit.

MDA Director General, Eli Bin: “Alongside MDA’s routine operations towards saving lives, during the days of Sukkot, MDA teams will be highly alert to respond to emergencies quickly and professionally to anyone who requires it. During the days of the holiday we receive many emergency calls about travelers. Many of these emergencies can be avoided by adhering to basic and important safety rules. I recommend that the public follows MDA’s safety guidelines and acts carefully. I wish you all happy Sukkos holiday.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)