Yesterday, an emergency call came into the United Hatzalah National Dispatch and Command Center, 1221. A baby was choking in a Jerusalem neighborhood. Two United Hatzalah volunteer EMTs located just minutes away immediately responded to the scene. The first responders, brothers Moti and Shimri Barski, quickly arrived and began providing emergency treatment to the infant.

Thanks to their rapid and professional intervention, the baby’s condition stabilized and the frightening incident ended with relief, gratitude, and a healthy child back in the arms of family members.

Choking emergencies remain among the most common household medical emergencies involving infants and young children. Incidents such as this once again demonstrate the critical importance of rapid emergency response during the first crucial moments of a medical crisis.

But beyond the emergency itself was another powerful image. Two brothers, side by side, responding together not first as relatives, but as lifesavers. At United Hatzalah, that spirit often runs through entire families. Volunteerism becomes something passed from one generation to another, and between siblings who answer emergency calls together at all hours of the day and night. In many homes across Israel, the sound of a dispatch alert does not wake only one person. It sends entire families into action.

There is something uniquely Jewish about seeing family members, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, sisters and brothers, responding together to save complete strangers. That selfless dedication reflects the heart behind United Hatzalah’s volunteer network and the understanding that every person has the ability to help save a life.

Yesterday, the Heroes in Orange were not only able to save a baby in distress. They were also able to bring comfort and relief to a frightened family during one of the most terrifying moments imaginable.