MDA Emergency Medical Service officials report a chopper is being stationed on alert status in Kiryat Malachi in the event a medivac chopper is required as the situation in southern Israel intensifies.

IDF and other officials praised the move, one that may save lives in case of a life-threatening injury.

The chopper is staffed with two air paramedics from MDA and a pilot of the Lahak Company that is contracted to operate the service. The chopper is specially designed to operate as an aerial advance life support intensive care unit, similar to the chopper stationed at Poriah Hospital in Tiveria.

MDA Director-General Eli Bin adds that in addition to the chopper, 200 ambulances are staffed and ready to respond to any incident in southern areas.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)