Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud) announced that the United Hatzalah emergency medical services (EMS) organization will now be an official part of Israel's response to terror attacks, natural disasters, and other emergency situations.
United Hatzalah is a volunteer EMS organization staffed almost exclusively by haredim and based on motorcyle ambulances which are not slowed down by traffic, so that. it prides itself on reaching emergency scenes within three minutes.. Its members work together with Magen David Adom (MDA) to provide first aid for Israelis and tourists around the country. It is staffed by paramedics, doctors, and medics.
Israel Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh, who visited one of United Hatzalah's centers, left "very impressed" with the organization's quality and activities.
Erdan's announcement comes two months after United Hatzalah and MDA signed an agreement to grant responsibility for emergencies to whichever group is closest to the scene of the emergency.
"United Hatzalah is a professional organization which busies itself with the holy work of saving lives," Erdan said. "There is no doubt that recognizing the organization as an official EMS services will strengthen Israel's ability to respond to emergencies."
"Recognizing United Hatzalah as an official EMS services is the next step in synchronizing our emergency responders' efforts during emergencies," Alsheikh said. "This will make it easier for Israel Police to provide quality command and control when emergencies occur."
United Hatzalah Chairman Moshe Teitelbaum said, "We thank Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, Health Minister Yakov Litzman (UTJ), and Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh for their faith and recognition of United Hatzalah and the efforts and holy work of our 3,500 volunteers. We treat over 300,000 victims each year, and we save lives on a daily basis."
"The recognition of United Hatzalah as an official EMS organization is an honor for us, and it will help us continue our fight to save lives."