On Erev Rosh Hashana, just before 3 PM, United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Yechel Gurfein was making last-minute purchases at the Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem when he witnessed a man suddenly collapse in the street.
Gurfein immediately retrieved his medical equipment from his car and notified dispatch of the emergency. He approached the man, who appeared to be in his 60s and checked for a pulse. Finding none and observing that the man was not breathing, he reported back to dispatch and initiated resuscitation efforts.
Gurfein began CPR, performing chest compressions, while other first responders, who had also witnessed the incident, quickly arrived to assist. A defibrillator was attached and the first responders worked together, taking turns with compressions and assisted ventilation. After approximately five minutes of continuous CPR, an intensive care ambulance arrived at the scene.
The patient was transferred to the ambulance, where resuscitation efforts continued. Fortunately, the man’s pulse was restored during the transport to Shaare Zedek Medical Center, where he was admitted for further treatment.
“It’s a great feeling to go into Rosh Hashanah right after helping to save someone’s life,” reflected Gurfein after the incident. “There’s no better way to start the new year than knowing you’ve made a real difference. It’s a reminder of why I do this work.”