The Magen David Adom (Red Star of David) emergency service announced Thursday evening that it was going on its second highest alert status to deal with traffic and other accidents anticipated as a result of parties to mark the end of 2009. The number of ambulances and staff members on duty is being doubled, with an emphasis on big cities.
MDA says that in recent years it has had triple its regular daily caseload on the evening of December 31st. It has treated people for consuming too much alcohol, as well as the resulting wounds suffered in fights and serious traffic accidents.