Home Front Command, United Hatzalah, and MDA Boost Holiday Readiness Under Shadow of War
Israeli emergency organizations are ramping up preparations and training ahead of a possible escalation with Hezbollah and Iran, ensuring nationwide readiness
As Israel readies for the upcoming holidays, the looming threat of a Third Lebanon War hangs over the nation. On October 7 last year, a wave of terror shook the country, an event that continues to cast a shadow. This year’s celebrations are marred by rising tensions at the Lebanese border, leaving many Israeli families balancing between celebration and vigilance.
To assist citizens during these challenging times, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Home Front Command has issued essential safety guidelines. The Media Line also compiled key recommendations from the Magen David Adom (MDA) and United Hatzalah emergency medical services, highlighting the extensive preparations these organizations have made to respond swiftly to any emergency.
The IDF Home Front Command has imposed new restrictions, limiting gatherings to 30 people outdoors and 300 indoors, due to escalating tensions with Hezbollah. These measures affect civilians in northern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Sharon region, Carmel, Wadi Ara, and the northern West Bank.
Schools and workplaces can operate only if they have nearby shelters that are easily accessible, according to an IDF statement. Beaches have also been closed due to the rising conflict with Hezbollah.
While many synagogues continue their services, the Home Front Command emphasized that the gathering limits of 30 people outdoors and 300 indoors still apply, especially as the Jewish New Year approaches.
In anticipation of the conflict with Hezbollah, United Hatzalah has made extensive preparations. Elias Romano, deputy spokesperson, noted that the potential war in Lebanon was not unexpected, and the organization has been preparing accordingly.
The escalation in Lebanon is not coming as a surprise to us. We’ve known for a while that it was a possibility, so we’ve been preparing extensively.
“The escalation in Lebanon is not coming as a surprise to us. We’ve known for a while that it was a possibility, so we’ve been preparing extensively,” he told The Media Line.
One major step was distributing generators to all 100 branches nationwide.
“We’ve ensured that every branch has a generator to provide backup power in case of an electricity outage during an emergency,” Romano said.
Additionally, United Hatzalah has distributed mass casualty incident (MCI) kits, which are specially designed bags containing the necessary equipment to handle mass casualty events. “These kits have been distributed nationwide to make sure we can respond efficiently in any situation,” he added.
United Hatzalah has also implemented contingency plans to ensure communication continues during disruptions.
“Normally, our volunteers use standard cellular systems, just like regular phones. But in preparation for this conflict, we’ve distributed alternative communication devices that don’t depend on cellular networks,” Romano explained. “These devices work like walkie-talkies, so even if the cellular system fails, our volunteers can still communicate and coordinate responses.”
A key strategy is a proactive patrol plan, in case communication systems fail and civilians cannot call for help.
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“If telecommunications crash and people can’t reach emergency services, we have a plan for our volunteers to patrol their neighborhoods,” Romano said. “Volunteers on motorcycles, scooters, and vehicles will drive around with lights and sirens, or at least the lights, so people needing help can find them. This will happen in every community where we have volunteers, and they’ll be ready to assist anyone, whether injured in rocket attacks or facing other medical emergencies.”
Romano stressed that United Hatzalah’s volunteers will also respond to routine medical emergencies. “People still have heart attacks and other emergencies during war, so our volunteers will be ready to help in those cases too.”
Although the organization defers to the Home Front Command on public safety, they are focused on maintaining operations under any conditions.
“We urge everyone to follow the Home Front Command’s instructions, especially regarding rocket sirens and seeking shelter. It’s vital for everyone to adhere to these guidelines,” Romano told The Media Line.
United Hatzalah has conducted mass casualty drills and rocket attack simulations to ensure their teams are fully prepared.
“We’ve recently conducted several drills, simulating emergency scenarios like mass casualty incidents from rocket attacks. Our volunteers are instructed to keep their medical kits stocked and vehicles fueled, ready to respond immediately.”
The organization has also prepared to address psychological crises that may occur during the conflict.
“Anyone suffering from anxiety or panic attacks can call us as they would for any emergency. We have a specialized Psychotrauma Crisis Response Unit that is dispatched like any first responder. These volunteers are trained to manage psychological trauma during conflict,” the spokesperson explained. “Our Psychotrauma Unit members are on high alert, ready to assist anyone in need.”
United Hatzalah’s 7,000 volunteers are on standby, ready to serve communities nationwide.
We’re doing everything to ensure our volunteers are prepared for any scenario. Generators, backup communication systems, mass casualty kits, and ongoing training are all part of our readiness effort.
“We’re doing everything to ensure our volunteers are prepared for any scenario. Generators, backup communication systems, mass casualty kits, and ongoing training are all part of our readiness effort. Our goal is to keep operating, no matter what,” Romano said.
As tensions escalate ahead of the holidays, with conflict brewing with Hezbollah, Nadav Matzner, MDA deputy spokesman, shared with The Media Line insights on the organization’s preparedness and recommendations for civilians.
“First and foremost, civilians should follow the Home Front Command’s instructions,” Matzner emphasized. “MDA is fully alert and ready for any situation, anywhere in the country, whether it’s in the north, south, or center,” he said.
MDA has maintained heightened readiness since October 7, 2023, the date of the surprise attacks from Gaza that left a lasting mark.
“On October 7, the whole country was caught off guard, but we’ve since increased our preparedness. At that time, we had 1,400 ambulances and intensive care units. Now, we have 1,800, along with additional equipment,” Matzner said.
MDA has also taken significant steps to prepare the public. “We teach civilians what to do in emergencies. Hundreds of thousands of people have received first aid training, ensuring they’re prepared before MDA teams arrive. This year, we’ve heightened our alertness and readiness,” he noted.
With 31,000 volunteers and 4,000 employees, MDA is ready to respond quickly across the country.
The most important thing is to follow the Home Front Command’s instructions and stay safe. Go to a safe place, wait 10 minutes, and don’t go outside to watch the rockets.
Matzner shared MDA’s key safety advice for civilians: “The most important thing is to follow the Home Front Command’s instructions and stay safe. Go to a safe place, wait 10 minutes, and don’t go outside to watch the rockets. If something happens, call MDA at 101. Paramedics will guide you on how to stop bleeding, perform CPR, and give first aid until responders arrive,” he explained.
MDA has taken additional steps to equip civilians with lifesaving skills.
“This year, we’ve provided free courses on basic first aid, such as stopping bleeding and performing CPR. We’ve also aired TV and radio commercials so civilians know what to do in emergencies. Our goal is to ensure civilians have the knowledge and basic equipment to give first aid until an ambulance arrives,” Matzner added.
Addressing MDA’s staff commitment during the holiday season, Matzner said, “The mood isn’t cheerful, but everyone understands their duty and that this is where they need to be. They want to be with their families, but the country and its citizens need them more.”
Some paramedics even park ambulances at home to respond to emergencies quickly. “We have helicopters on standby 24/7 to provide first aid. We work with the military and are fully prepared to assist anyone in need,” Matzner concluded.
As the holidays near, MDA remains on high alert, ensuring that all ambulances and emergency vehicles are manned.
