Shave off their beards

In order that they can wear protective masks safely; Hundreds of EMTs and Paramedics at MDA shave off their beards

From Metula to Eilat, hundreds of bearded EMTs and paramedics who work or volunteer at Magen David Adom have joined in the fight against Coronavirus. In order to properly wear the anti-infection protective masks, they have removed their beards.

One of the latest in the organization is the director of the Carmel region, Erez Geller, who saw great importance in providing a personal example for employees and volunteers in the area. “The removal of beard hair allows medics and paramedics to wear the mask optimally and efficiently, close to the facial skin,” Erez Geller explained.

“It was clear to me that what I expect from the employees and volunteers in the region is not easy for many, and one must live up to their principles. I removed my beards after more than 20 years. For my wife and children and to everyone who knows me, it was very strange, but I have no doubt that during this time, and doing the work that we do, this is the right decision.”

Yosef Neimark, a senior medic in MDA from the Afula area, also decided to shave off his beard for the first time in his life. “The beard has been a part of me, from the age of 16,”

He continued on to explain, “Even in the military, I had an exemption and I was not required to shave it off. At the moment, I understand the importance of public health and my own health, therefore I shaved. I feel a little weird, and I look younger too, but I do not regret it for a moment, and intend to keep my face smooth, so that I can continue to fully participate in MDA activities on the Coronavirus.”

Zaki Heller

MDA Spokesman

Shave off their beards

A total of 832,277 Patients and casualties were transferred to hospitals

MDA Operates 166 stations throughout Israel

MDA teams perform an Average of 500 resuscitations per month

MDA evacuated 74,865 wounded in road accidents, and 5,142 wounded from work-related accidents

232 babies were delivered in ambulances and at home assisted by MDA team members

There are 350 paramedics in the organization

On average, 1,745 operational callouts take place every day

In a public satisfaction survey conducted MDA came in 2nd place after the IDF on a list of security, emergency and rescue organizations with a score of 96%

According to the organization's statistics, the average response time for an ambulance and mobile intensive care unit is 8 minutes after the first call is received

In 2015, MDA celebrated its 85th anniversary

In a public satisfaction survey conducted MDA came in 2nd place after the IDF on a list of security, emergency and rescue organizations with a score of 96%

In 2015, MDA celebrated its 85th anniversary

MDA Employs 2,200 paid staff members and activates 22,000 volunteers, 12,000 of whom are teenagers

4,500 First Responder volunteers respond to an average of 488,8 calls a month I Volunteers invest over 1.5 million hours of service per year

The oldest volunteer is 90 years old & the youngest is 15

17,954 women in labor were transferred to hospital delivery rooms

There are 3 professionals in a Mobile Intensive Care Unit

A Life Support Ambulance A MICU team of 2 includes an Emergency Medical Technician and a paramedic

100,000 Israelis have downloaded the "My MDA" cellular App

20,000 Life Guardians are active across the country

110,000People underwent resuscitation courses

An intensive first aid and resuscitation course lasts 60 Hours

More than 470 foreign volunteers from 22 different countries were trained and volunteered in MDA stations

MDA trained 3,000 young parents in Infant and Child resuscitation

1,750 teenagers are given summer courses every year in infant and child resuscitation

750 teenagers are trained during courses to manage an MCI - Multi Casualty Incident

260,000 Blood Units were donated to MDA's Blood Bank | The MDA Blood Bank Services have 43 Blood Bank Mobiles

MDA dispatchers answer an emergency phone call in less than 4 seconds

The MDA emergency phone number is 101.

MDA deploys 379 MICUs (Mobile Intensive Care Units)

MDA deploys 715 ambulances

MDA deploys 63 of which are able to navigate through difficult routes and off-road conditions

MDA deploys 8 Dune Tractors (MULES) to evacuate victims from unconventional areas

MDA deploys 5 paramedic supervisor ALS vehicles, and 2 helicopters

MDA deploys 507 First responders on motorbikes

MDA deploys 50 armored ambulances are also deployed in friction and combat zones

There are 174 MDA ambulances stationed in Kibbutzim, Moshavim and Local Councils