The Knock Before Friday Night Kiddush
It was a regular Friday night. We lit candles, welcomed Shabbat, and prepared to make Kiddush. Then, just before we sat down, there was a knock at my door.
My next-door neighbor was standing there with her two-year-old daughter in her arms. The little girl had a history of severe allergic reactions and was allergic to several different foods and substances. They had come over to ask my advice, but the moment I saw her, I knew this was far beyond a simple consultation.
Her face was swollen. Her nose was running. She appeared to be gagging, and she was using the muscles around her chest and neck to help her breathe. I could hear that she was struggling for air.
These were all clear signs of a severe allergic reaction. My training taught me that there was no time to wait.
I immediately contacted the United Hatzalah Dispatch Center and alerted them to the emergency. Then, almost as if it were second nature, I administered the EpiPen.
Within moments, we could see a marked difference.
The little girl began breathing more easily. Her oxygen saturation improved, and her heart rate increased, as expected after receiving a dose of adrenaline. Although the immediate danger appeared to be easing, we knew she still needed additional medical care.
She was transferred to a mobile intensive care ambulance for further treatment and taken to the hospital.
Just as suddenly as the emergency had begun, it was over. We sat down, made Kiddush, and began our Shabbat meal.
There are few things more frightening than watching a small child struggle to breathe. A severe allergic reaction can worsen within seconds, and when it does, hesitation can be dangerous. In this case, her mother recognized that something was wrong and came to the right place at exactly the right moment.
Thanks to United Hatzalah, every volunteer carries a fully equipped medical bag containing the equipment and medications needed to respond immediately.
That means lifesaving help may be only a simple knock at the door away.
