United Hatzalah, Israel’s largest independent and fully volunteer Emergency Medical Service (EMS), demonstrated its unparalleled commitment to saving lives and advancing emergency response capabilities through a groundbreaking Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) drill conducted this week in Kiryat Gat. The scenario—a simulated missile strike targeting a bus transporting children to a soccer match—was not only a vivid reminder of Israel’s unique security challenges but also a testament to the organization’s relentless drive to innovate and prepare for the unimaginable.

A Legacy of Preparedness Meets Cutting-Edge Technology

Unlike any ordinary EMS organization, United Hatzalah operates at the intersection of unmatched human dedication and cutting-edge technology, making it a global leader in emergency response. This drill, drawing key lessons from the devastating Majdal Shams rocket attack earlier this year that tragically claimed the lives of 12 children, brought together an arsenal of resources. These included dozens of EMTs, paramedics, doctors, and advanced medical equipment such as ambulances, ambucycles, intensive care vehicles, and state-of-the-art monitoring systems.

“I wake up every hour and cry.”

United Hatzalah are volunteer workers who respond to medical emergencies in #Israel. They have treated countless victims of terror attacks.

But the #October7Massacre was so horrific that many of them now have deep psychological trauma from the… pic.twitter.com/iJOyKj24Q9

— The Persian Jewess (@persianjewess) February 9, 2024

The simulation served as a proving ground for United Hatzalah’s integration of groundbreaking technologies. Central to the drill was the organization’s proprietary GPS-enabled dispatch system, which has revolutionized emergency response times across Israel. With this system, response times in urban areas have been slashed to an astonishing 90 seconds, while nationwide averages hover under three minutes—a feat that continues to save countless lives daily.

Refining the Art of Emergency Management

The exercise focused on stress-testing United Hatzalah's emergency protocols in high-pressure, chaotic environments. Teams executed rapid triage, complex casualty treatment, and coordinated evacuations under the supervision of medical leaders who drilled advanced command and control protocols. In addition, the drill underscored the organization’s commitment to mental health through the involvement of the Psychotrauma Unit, which deployed therapy dogs and specialists to support trauma victims and their families.

Israel is still at war and the heroes from United Hatzalah are in need of critical resources to continue treating those in urgent need of medical assistance. Honor these heroes by pledging to make a donation that directly supports their work. https://t.co/yLgDqtd8JS pic.twitter.com/umwxiwWRJ3

— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) November 26, 2024

United Hatzalah’s leadership, including Ronen Gil, chief paramedic for Kiryat Gat, and Netanel Assulin, branch operations coordinator, emphasized the importance of this preparation. “Missile attacks are a grim reality in our region. Our ability to act decisively and with precision is not just a goal but a necessity. Drills like this ensure that when the unthinkable happens, we are ready,” Gil stated.

Collaboration Across Borders and Sectors

The drill also attracted significant political and community leaders, underscoring the collaborative effort required to enhance public safety. Among the attendees were Kiryat Gat Mayor Kfir Swisa, Police Commander Chief Superintendent Eldad Elyashiv, and health and security officials from the region. Representatives from the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago and the Kiryat Gat-Lachish-Shafir Jewish Agency Partnership, who sponsored the event, also played an active role in the proceedings.

This broad coalition of stakeholders reflects United Hatzalah’s ability to unite diverse groups under a common mission: to save lives regardless of race, religion, or nationality.

90 Seconds for Young Readers:
The Epic story of Eli Beer and United Hatzalah- Based on Rabbi Nachman Seltzer’s bestselling 90 Secondshttps://t.co/nNXdWDkkb9 pic.twitter.com/eGINyciy0H

— SeforimChatter (@SeforimChatter) November 26, 2024

Revolutionizing Emergency Response Through Innovation

United Hatzalah’s success is built on more than just its 8,000-strong network of volunteers; it is its relentless pursuit of innovation that has set it apart. The organization’s partnership with military technology giant Elbit Systems has transformed traditional communication methods. By replacing outdated walkie-talkies with cellular "push-to-talk" (PTT) technology, first responders now benefit from seamless, crystal-clear communication—an invaluable advantage when every second counts.

Another revolutionary tool in their arsenal is Carbyne, a groundbreaking company with multiple platforms that enables dispatchers to locate callers with pinpoint accuracy, guide them through life-saving procedures in real time, and even utilize video calls for visual assessment of emergencies. Features such as AI-driven call triage, live audio translation, and silent instant messaging ensure that help is not only swift but also highly effective.

Scooter riders can contact emergency services with one click: In 1st, Carbyne software connects Wind users directly to United Hatzalah call centers, allowing users to seek assistance with one click. https://t.co/c1IWzKfAoB ArutzSheva pic.twitter.com/WRtzBEVAx7

— Jewish Community (@JComm_NewsFeeds) February 2, 2022

These innovations, born out of Israel’s vibrant start-up ecosystem, have positioned United Hatzalah as a global trailblazer in emergency response. Countries around the world now look to the organization as a model, eager to replicate its blend of technology, agility, and human compassion.

Saving Lives, One Second at a Time

With over 2,000 emergencies handled daily, United Hatzalah’s relentless pursuit of excellence ensures it stands as a beacon of hope in a region fraught with challenges. As the drill in Kiryat Gat demonstrated, their mission is far from static—it is a dynamic, ever-evolving commitment to protecting life under any circumstances.

United Hatzalah conducted a large-scale mass casualty drill in Kiryat Gat in southern Israel this week, which drew critical lessons from the Majdal Shams rocket attack in July that killed 12 children, the organization said. https://t.co/1e4l08dbEC

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) November 27, 2024

By merging the heart of its volunteers with the brainpower of Israeli innovation, United Hatzalah is not just preparing for emergencies—it is rewriting the rulebook on how to save lives.