United Hatzalah conducted a large mass casualty incident (MCI) drill this week in Kiryat Gat, simulating a missile strike on a bus bringing children to a soccer game.

The comprehensive exercise, drawing critical lessons from the Majdel Shams rocket attack that killed 12 children earlier this year, included dozens of United Hatzalah EMTs, paramedics and doctors, alongside intensive care vehicles, ambulances, ambucycles, and various emergency vehicles.

The drill’s core objectives centered on testing and refining the critical emergency response capabilities of United Hatzalah’s leadership and medical teams.

Medical leaders meticulously practiced advanced command and control protocols, simulating high-pressure scenarios that demand rapid decision-making and seamless inter-team communication. The medical personnel were tasked with executing complex casualty treatment and triage procedures.

The organization’s Psychotrauma Unit also participated in the drill, providing support for the trauma victims, including the use of therapy dogs.

The MCI drill saw participation from prominent local political and security leaders, including Kiryat Gat Mayor Kfir Swisa, Kiryat Gat Police Commander Chief Superintendent Eldad Elyashiv, Kiryat Gat Police Operations Officer Superintendent Yossi Benon, Lachish Regional Council Security Coordinator Yaron Meshulam, Kiryat Gat City Security Coordinator Gabi Elkobi, and Council Member and Health Committee Chair Zelman Hecht.

Representatives from the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago and the Kiryat Gat-Lachish-Shafir Jewish Agency Partnership, who sponsored the drill, also participated.

Ronen Gil, United Hatzalah’s chief paramedic for the Kiryat Gat district, and Netanel Assulin, the branch operations coordinator, spoke about the drill’s importance: “In our region, missile attacks are a harsh reality we must continuously prepare for. We’ve taken the painful lessons from the Majdal Shams missile attack and applied them directly to our drill. Our training reflects an unwavering commitment to preparedness and saving lives, no matter the circumstances.”