Ninety seconds. That is the critical time after a medical emergency when intervention can save a life. Whether it is a heart attack, a seizure, a child choking, or a terrorist bomb, those 90 seconds are at the heart of United Hatzalah, an organization in Israel that trains and dispatches volunteer medics to provide medical response. On a Wednesday evening in Jerusalem, a two-year-old boy ran into the road and was hit by a car. Passersby immediately alerted emergency services.
United Hatzalah volunteer Moshe Paskesz was nearby when he received the call on his communications device. Immediately, he flipped on the lights and sirens of his ambucycle and rushed to the scene.
Riding on the sidewalk, Paskesz reached the scene just as the first responder was loading the patient into an ambulance that had pulled up. The ambulance driver urgently shouted at him to enter the ambulance so Paskesz quickly parked his ambucycle and jumped in.
The child was lying on a stretcher, apparently lifeless. “He’s without a pulse or breathing!” shouted the United Hatzalah volunteer Naftali Shmerler, who had jumped into the ambulance right before Paskesz.
While Shmerler initiated chest compressions, Paskesz took out a bag valve mask and provided assisted ventilation. After about three minutes of tireless efforts, while the ambulance driver was attempting to navigate the chaos and congestion of the area to head to the hospital, the child began to make noises. Paskesz ordered Shmerler to stop the CPR and checked for a pulse. Baruch Hashem, the child’s pulse had returned.
A paramedic and another United Hatzalah medic who were heading to the scene met the ambulance as it was navigating through the traffic. The driver slowed down, and the medic jumped into the ambulance. The team continued treating the toddler until they met up with an intensive care team nearby. The toddler was handed off to the advanced life support ambulance and was transported to Shaarei Zedek Hospital in serious condition. Thankfully, the child’s condition improved, and he is on the road to recovery.
When every second counts, United Hatzalah is there.
When emergencies occur, rapid medical treatment increases chances of survival exponentially. Using specially equipped motorcycle ambulances, United Hatzalah’s network of more than 7,000 volunteer emergency medics help save thousands of lives each year throughout Israel by providing medical treatment in an average response time of three minutes or less.
In a Code Blue scenario, where cardiac arrest strikes and an elderly gentleman is stranded on the fourth floor, United Hatzalah volunteers sweep in, reaching the scene within a mere 90 seconds. With practiced precision, they stabilize the patient, orchestrating seamless transportation to the medical facility. Lifesaving mission accomplished, they stand prepared to respond to the next medical emergency with alacrity.
In the face of a Code Orange, a mass casualty event, the call resounds across EMS responders, police forces, and IDF personnel. First to arrive on the scene, however, are the United Hatzalah volunteers, who position themselves at the forefront of aid.
Last year, United Hatzalah’s highly trained and fully equipped volunteers treated over 750,000 people. Since the organization’s inception in 2006, their medics have treated over 6,200,000 people.
Truly an organization like no other, United Hatzalah of Israel is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer emergency medical service throughout Israel, completely free of charge.
Their goal is to provide immediate lifesaving medical care during the critical window between the onset of a medical emergency and the arrival of traditional ambulance assistance.
United Hatzalah’s services are available to all people, regardless of race, religion, or national origin. An exemplar of chesed, the organization has a network of over 7,000 volunteers throughout Israel. This “Community of Angels” is available around the clock—24/7, 365 days throughout the year, responding to over 2,000 emergencies each day.
Jonathan Abraham is one of these extraordinary heroes. Long driven by a unique blend of passion and purpose. Raised in the heart of a family tradition of jewelry craftsmanship, he discovered his affinity and appreciation for the art of diamonds at an early age.
Jonathan’s life took a transformative turn when he served in the prestigious IDF paratrooper unit, instilling in him a strong commitment to helping others in crisis. Indeed, it was this commitment that served as the catalyst for him to become a dedicated United Hatzalah first responder volunteer, where he honed his lifesaving. For Jonathan, a fourth-generation jeweler who hails from Israel, the world of diamonds and his unwavering dedication to be a first responder have seamlessly fused into a single, profound mission, one that radiates with both brilliance and compassion.
In partnership with United Hatzalah, he created Hagiborim, an exquisite jewelry collection inspired by the United Hatzalah emblem, the EMS Star of Life and the Magen David. Impeccably crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece is guaranteed for top-tier quality.
“The United Hatzalah jewelry line is a tribute to the extraordinary individuals from all walks of life in Israel, whether men, women, Jews, Muslims, Christians, or Druze, who selflessly and fearlessly rush to the aid of those in need regardless of the time or day,” Jonathan noted. “They embody the spirit of compassion and solidarity.”
By wearing these exquisite pieces, we honor the unwavering commitment of these heroes who come together to save lives, transcending boundaries, and reminding us that humanity’s strength lies in our compassion and courage.
“The transformation of the emblem’s two stars into high-end jewelry enhances its appearance and serves as a powerful symbol, conveying the values and ideals we stand for,” Jonathan shared.
More than merely beautiful jewelry, the Hagiborim Collection provides succor and support to our brothers and sisters in Israel as they struggle to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Proceeds of each purchase directly benefit United Hatzalah’s heroic lifesaving efforts.
Jonathan Abraham looks forward to the pleasure of meeting you. Personable and unpretentious, he is truly a hero who is passionate about his lifesaving mission. View the magnificent Hagiborim Collection at your private celebration or corporate event. For booking, sponsorships, or additional information please refer to the Hagiborim ad in this issue of the 5TJT.
Rochelle Maruch Miller is a contributing editor for the Five Towns Jewish Times. She is a journalist, creative media consultant, lecturer, and educator, and writes for magazines, newspapers, websites, and private clients. She welcomes your comments at Rochellemiller04@aol.com. Read more of Rochelle Miller’s articles at 5TJT.com.
