On October 7, 2023, Israel was preparing for an escalated conflict with Hezbollah and Iran in the north. The brutal invasion and attacks from Hamas in the south were completely unexpected. And since that terrible day, missiles and rockets have become a near-daily reality on multiple fronts.
At Magen David Adom, response time is of the essence. The earlier paramedics and EMTs arrive, the better chance they have of saving lives.
With that in mind, in late October 2023, Israel’s Home Front Command, the IDF’s civilian protection arm, connected its missile-tracking abilities with Magen David Adom’s National Command Center.
“Prior to October 7, we had no way of knowing about a missile attack until we received the call from people living in the community,” explained Uri Shacham, chief of staff for Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency services system. “Because people are obliged to remain in shelters, dispatchers received calls about eight to 10 minutes after a missile actually hit.”
Now, as soon as a rocket is launched, Magen David Adom can track its path over Israel. “We can send an ambulance almost to the exact point where the rocket landed,” Shacham said. ”Maybe it’s not exactly the house number, but I still know which street to send them to. And I can tell our teams, ‘Look two streets up or down the block; survey the area and you’ll notice destruction and see the people who need help.’
“Only by cooperating with the IDF Home Front Command were we able to cut down our response time by those crucial eight to 10 minutes. That is huge.”
When you support MAGEN DAVID ADOM, you are helping a nation under imminent threat and danger. MAGEN DAVID ADOM continues to find innovative means by which they can speed lifesaving care to those in dire need.
Your support of MAGEN DAVID ADOM enables them to continue blessing and protecting the people of Israel, a literal fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel in Genesis 12:3 — “I will bless those who bless you . . . and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you!”
Thank You!
