In a momentous event held at Magen David Adom's campus in
Ramla, the National Rescue Organization, in collaboration with the EU
Delegation to Israel, unveiled a groundbreaking safety initiative known as
"Scene Safer." This innovative program, which is a part of the
"No Fear" project, aims to enhance the safety of medical personnel
during high-risk situations, equipping ambulance teams to provide crucial first
aid, save lives, and protect their own team members.
The "Scene Safer" model, funded by the European
Commission under the HORIZON 2020 framework program, offers comprehensive
guidelines designed to safeguard medical personnel in the face of deliberate
attacks. At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to ensure that
emergency medical teams can carry out their life-saving missions even in the
most challenging and dangerous environments.
Guests who attended the event were given an in-depth
introduction to the "Scene Safer" program and had the opportunity to
witness the cutting-edge technologies at Magen David Adom's disposal. These
technologies include intelligent information systems and advanced
transportation vehicles, all of which play a crucial role in ensuring the
safety and effectiveness of medical personnel. This innovative safety protocol
has not only been adopted by Magen David Adom but is also set to be embraced by
medical organizations worldwide.
The event concluded with a captivating display in the Magen
David Adom courtyard, showcasing the advanced tools and systems utilized by emergency
medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics. Attendees had the chance to explore
the command and control system installed in MDA's Joint National Dispatch
Center, observe an ambulance and mobile intensive care unit (MICU) in action,
and marvel at specialized vehicles such as the Unimog truck ambulance, designed
to evacuate up to four critical patients from challenging and inaccessible
disaster scenes, such as those following earthquakes and floods. Dr. Orit
Frankel led the guests on a tour of Magen David Adom's groundbreaking
underground bulletproof blood bank, a pioneering facility equipped with
state-of-the-art technology that supplies blood to hospitals throughout Israel.
Chaim Rafalowski, Director of Disaster Management at Magen
David Adom and the driving force behind the "No Fear" project,
expressed the project's overarching goal, stating, "Today, we unveiled the
'No Fear' project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at ensuring safer on-site
operations during attacks when complete safety is impossible. Our aim is to
empower EMTs, paramedics, MDA volunteers, and EMS personnel globally with the
knowledge and tools to enhance their safety in high-risk situations. Through
the European Union's 'Horizon 2020' program, the 'No Fear' project has fostered
a strong network that bridges the gap between products, academic knowledge, and
field practices, addressing the most pressing needs. The 'Scene Safer' concept
encourages our EMTs and paramedics to pause, assess, understand, and
comprehensively evaluate a scene, leading to more informed and safer
decisions."
Mr
. Ophir Kariv, Head of the Economic Division at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the collaboration between Magen David
Adom and the European Union, stating, "Today's unveiling of the 'No Fear'
project fills me with a sense of reassurance and optimism as an Israeli citizen
on several fronts. The first is Magen David Adom, Israel's National Rescue
Organization, a global leader in its field, a professional and cutting-edge
organization, and this project is just one example of its spirit of innovation.
The 'No Fear' project provides us with an enhanced sense of security and the
knowledge that they are a leading partner collaborating with other global
leading organizations, with MDA not only imparting its vast expertise but also
benefiting from shared knowledge."
EU Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev expressed gratitude for the
partnership between the European Union and Magen David Adom, highlighting the
organization's vital role in saving lives and providing humanitarian aid. He
acknowledged the support provided through the "Horizon 2020" program
and expressed a desire to continue successful cooperation, further advancing
Israel's technological capabiliti
es.
Magen David Adom's Director General, Eli Bin, emphasized the
importance of safety and praised the European Union's investment in research
and development capabilities. He noted that safety remains a top priority for
the organization and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the
European Union and other esteemed partners.
In summary, the launch of the "Scene Safer"
initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing the safety of medical
personnel in high-risk situations. Magen David Adom's collaboration with the
European Union exemplifies the organization's commitment to innovation and
ensuring the well-being of its dedicated teams. This partnership promises to
yield invaluable benefits not only for Israel but also for medical
organizations globally, contributing to safer and more effective emergency
response operations.