Magen David Adom (MDA) teams have completed final preparations for the comprehensive medical security operation for the Rashbi pilgrimage in Meron. Ahead of the event taking place tomorrow on Lag BaOmer, Israel Police, in cooperation with MDA and Israel Fire and Rescue Services, held large-scale emergency drills simulating mass casualty events on the mountain. As part of the preparations, two drills were conducted by the police at night and in the afternoon, covering a range of scenarios: terrorist incidents, rocket fire, crowd stampedes, road blockades, and more. Dozens of MDA paramedics, doctors, EMTs, and first responders participated. MDA’s emergency medical system is operating in close coordination with all field agencies. As part of the preparations, dozens of ambulances, mobile intensive care units, a mass casualty incident station, off-road vehicles, emergency medicycles, an intensive care bus, medical ATVs, MDA field clinic tents, a medical trailer, an MDA helicopter, and a specially prepared helipad have been deployed. A sophisticated command and control system will be operated from a dedicated command vehicle equipped with communications technologies resistant to overload and capable of managing forces in real time. “MDA teams, who are on the mountain in large numbers, have already treated dozens of simulated casualties,” explained Oren Avitan, Director of the Yarden Region for MDA. “During the drill, which included multiple scenarios, we utilized unique tools developed by MDA, including ATVs with special rescue equipment. MDA teams practiced coordinating with the MDA helicopter and evacuated simulated casualties to the special helipad prepared for aerial evacuations near Meron.” During the four-day event starting tomorrow (Thursday) through Sunday, MDA stations in the north will operate on high alert and will be reinforced with multiple teams. Hundreds of MDA paramedics, doctors, EMTs, and first responders, along with dozens of volunteers from rescue organizations, will operate under MDA’s coordination to provide medical security for the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected in Meron. Preparations in the field have been completed, and medical team deployment points have been finalized. These include several clinics: a central clinic operating from a special intensive care bus, a dedicated treatment tent for women near the Rashbi tomb, a medical trailer at the family exit route, and intensive care teams stationed at the Yohanan HaSandlar complex. Along the Mehadrin path – the Kohanim route – foot patrols consisting of dozens of teams equipped with resuscitation kits will operate among the crowd, from the parking areas to the Rashbi tomb. MDA Director-General Eli Bin: “MDA, as the national rescue organization of the State of Israel, has been preparing for many months in full coordination with the Israel Police, the Ministry of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, the event organizer, and other relevant bodies to develop the best possible medical security plan, incorporating lessons learned from past events. We have conducted field assessments, discussions, and detailed planning for months. As part of the preparation, MDA teams participated in mass casualty drills conducted by the Israel Police to ensure maximum readiness.” In light of the dreadful disaster that occurred four years ago, in which 45 people lost their lives and over 100 were injured, MDA urges the public to follow the instructions of the police and security personnel, avoid overcrowding and congested areas, remain on the mountain only during the designated times indicated on their tickets, keep track […]