Rifael Levine, a medical student and United Hatzalah volunteer EMT, was returning home after a long day of studies when his communications device alerted him to an emergency. Just twenty feet from where he stood, near the Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, a man lay unconscious with no pulse.

As the first medical professional on scene, Levine swiftly assessed the situation and coordinated with another medic who had just arrived, instructing him to begin CPR while he prepared the defibrillator. 

Seconds later, a third EMT arrived. Levine immediately assigned him the task of operating the defibrillator while he focused on managing the patient’s airway.

The scene transformed into a well-orchestrated emergency response as more first responders arrived. Levine strategically assigned two responders to maintain the airway while he took command of chest compressions, directing the team to administer the first shock from the defibrillator. 

Their synchronized efforts continued until an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance team arrived alongside United Hatzalah volunteer Dr. Aryeh Yaffe, who administered emergency medications.

The team’s persistence paid off—after additional shocks, the patient’s pulse returned, and he was quickly transported to Shaare Zedek Medical Center for further care.

“It was a very nice feeling knowing that I got there first, started CPR, and saved this person’s life,” Levine reflected afterward. “This is exactly why we volunteer—to be there at the right moment when someone needs us most.”