Life-saving services of United Hatzalah volunteer medics aren’t over when the sirens are turned off and the ambulance leaves the scene of an emergency. In many ways, that’s only the beginning.
The thing that makes our heroes in orange so special, isn’t only that regardless of when and where an emergency call comes in, our volunteers will drop everything – meals, meetings, and even moments with their families and rush to help a total stranger in need – but that their dedication and commitment to someone in distress often continues once the emergency is over. Even once the patient is resting safely at home or in a hospital bed, our volunteers reveal a deeper, quieter sense of compassion.
Beyond the adrenaline rush lies a profound sense of humanity and true empathy that only exists at United Hatzalah. Here are some remarkable stories of after emergency care.
A Second Chance in Holon
In Holon, 70-year-old David Yosef was given that second chance. After he collapsed suddenly from cardiac arrest, United Hatzalah EMTs Chen Bedor, Elad Bobi, and Yinon Shuv raced to his side. Working together, they resuscitated his heart right there on the street, thanks to their skills and equipment.
Weeks later, through United Hatzalah’s unique program that reunites rescuer and rescuee, David and his team of medics met with the gentlemen they brought back to life. This time with no bells, whistles or flashing lights, but with heartfelt embraces and words of gratitude. “You saved my life,” David told them. “Now you are part of my family.”
From the Field to the Bris
In another story, EMT Nir Dorfman from Bat Yam responded to a call about a man in cardiac distress. For more than twenty minutes, he fought to stabilize the patient until intensive care paramedics arrived. Months later, while serving in his other role as a mohel, Dorfman was stunned to recognize a familiar face among the guests; the man whose life he had saved.
That happenstance reunion highlights the deep connection between medic and their patient. Dorfman said. “We get to see the full circle of life.”
Not all Rescues have Sirens
Not all United Hatzalah acts of service take place with flashing orange lights. One Jerusalem EMT, after responding to a elderly woman who was hemorrhaging at home, decided to pick up a mop and bucket and clean the blood-soaked floors.
He didn’t do it for recognition or reward. He did it because no one, especially someone who has just fought for her life, should return home to a bloody mess and be faced with that mess.
A fellow colleague later posted a simple tribute:
“A true angel in orange. After saving her life, he quietly cleaned every trace of the trauma. He deserves a medal.”
Beyond the Call of Duty
These moments are not isolated. Across Israel, United Hatzalah volunteers continue to visit patients in hospitals, attend britot and weddings, and sometimes, heartbreakingly, stand beside families at funerals.
Their work reminds us that saving lives is more than a single act; it’s a lifelong bond between rescuer and rescuee, between compassion and courage.
Because the job of a United Hatzalah volunteer is never really over.
