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MDA paramedics and advanced EMTs traveled to Russia and the Ukraine to train Chabad shluchim in first aid. MDA officials explain this is part of the organization’s overall mission, to bring lifesaving skills and services wherever needed, even if it means boarding a plane.

It was decided to train the shluchim amid the awareness the response time for an ambulance in some of the areas they serve is far too long, hence the decision to arm the shluchim with the tools to treat different life-threatening scenarios.

After the course, the tens of newly-certified first aid providers and EMTS arrived in Israel to put their newly-acquired skills to use, joining ambulance teams delivering basic and advanced life support. This gave them an opportunity to put their skills to use and return home with some practical experience under their belts.

After the hands-on practical training in Yerushalayim, a MDA team returned with the newly-certified recruits for a graduation ceremony in the office of Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi, Berel Lazar Shlita. Among the MDA officials present were MDA Chief of Operations Eli Bin, Deputy Director of Operations Gil Moskowitz, and the chief paramedic instructors, Sagi Abramov and Itzik Asraf. The graduates are shluchim in Moscow, the Ukraine and Siberia, and they will be joining veteran MDA volunteer in Hatzalah Moscow, Rav Schneur Halprin.

Twelve of the graduates are certified as EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians), while ten others are certified in first aid. Each received a first response bag containing appropriate equipment.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)