New program will span two years and combine advanced medical studies, hospital clinical rotations and extensive field experience, with tuition fully funded by United Hatzalah supporters in Israel and around the world
United Hatzalah announced the establishment of the United Hatzalah Paramedic Academy, a major new initiative that will, for the first time, enable the organization to train paramedics through its own dedicated professional program.
The academy represents a significant advancement in United Hatzalah’s medical and professional development and will create a new pathway for outstanding volunteers who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to saving lives, strong clinical abilities and a consistently high level of service.
United Hatzalah President and Founder Eli Beer said:
“The United Hatzalah Paramedic Academy is about investing in our greatest asset, our volunteers. We believe that by giving them the tools to provide the highest level of lifesaving care, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people of Israel. The new academy is another step in our effort to set the gold standard for prehospital emergency medical care in Israel and provide our patients with the best possible care, wherever they are.”
Until now, United Hatzalah has trained and certified emergency medical technicians, EMTs certified by the U.S. National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, first aid responders, ambulance drivers, Advanced Life Support assistants, senior EMTs and other emergency medical professionals. The establishment of the Paramedic Academy will now provide exceptional volunteers with the opportunity to advance to the highest level of clinical care in the prehospital emergency medical system.
The first class will be selected from among United Hatzalah volunteers who have distinguished themselves through their lifesaving activity and sustained commitment to the organization. Candidates will be required to meet rigorous admission criteria and undergo a comprehensive professional selection process.
The projected two year training program will combine theoretical and practical studies in advanced emergency medicine, pharmacology and clinical decision making, together with medical simulations, clinical rotations in hospitals and leading medical centers across Israel, and extensive practical experience in the field.
The program is designed to develop paramedics with advanced clinical capabilities who can deliver a higher level of medical treatment during the critical first minutes of an emergency, both before a patient is transported and while en route to the hospital.
Tuition for participants will be fully funded through donations from United Hatzalah supporters and friends in Israel and around the world as part of their ongoing commitment to strengthening Israel’s emergency medical response system and investing in the next generation of emergency medical professionals.
Dr. Noam Igra, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of United Hatzalah, said:
“Our goal is not simply to train paramedics to follow medical protocols. We want to develop the next generation of clinical leaders: paramedics who understand the medicine behind lifesaving treatment, who can make sound decisions in complex circumstances and who can lead the medical response at an emergency scene.”
The establishment of the academy comes as United Hatzalah continues to expand both the scope and sophistication of its emergency medical capabilities. By creating a professional development pathway within the organization, United Hatzalah aims to strengthen the advanced medical resources available throughout its nationwide volunteer network and ensure that highly trained medical professionals can reach patients during the moments when every second counts.
