On Tuesday afternoon in Hadera, a man in his late 40s picked up his daughter from school. On their way home, he fell unconscious near the entrance to his building’s elevator. His daughter screamed for help and neighbors immediately notified emergency services.
United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Tomer Fainshtein had just finished attending to another emergency when he received an alert on his communications device regarding the new incident. Fainshtein rushed to the scene and arrived within a few minutes. There he found a hectic scene, with bystanders attempting to help.
Taking charge of the situation, Fainshtein found the man, his neighbor, lying on the floor not breathing and without a pulse. He immediately initiated CPR, assisted by other EMTs who arrived at the scene shortly after. Moments later, an Advanced Life Support Ambulance arrived. The paramedic attached a monitor to the patient and administered medications.
For over half an hour, the team worked feverishly on the patient, delivering no less than 16 shocks from the defibrillator, performing chest compressions, and administering assisted ventilations. Thankfully, the man’s pulse returned and he was transported to the hospital for further care.
“I’m grateful I was able to help save my neighbor’s life,” said Fainshtein. “I really hope he makes a full recovery.”