First Aid Olympics

More than 200 first aid providers and paramedics from Israel—as well as teams from Canada, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Jordan, Norway, Poland, Turkey, and the United States—participated. The 41 teams had to pass 11 stations and exhibit proficiency in diagnosing and treating many medical situations. Their skills were tested in conventional and non-conventional treatments, including trauma, cardiology, pediatrics as well as life-threatening circumstances.

The contestants had to cope with difficult weather conditions in the Dead Sea area while they worked. They were called on to treat a man attacked by a wild animal, to deliver a baby, to treat a wounded Roman warrior, and ride camels to reach a patient in a tent. Teams from Israel, Poland, Holland, and the United States walked away with rewards in various categories. However, more rewarding than prizes was the knowledge that their actions save lives.

A 31-year old Dead Sea resident was pleased that so many professionals were around. The man collapsed with a major heart attack, and Olympics contestants were able get the man stabilized and rushed to Beersheva’s Soroka Medical Center. Doctors in the center attributed the patient’s stable condition to the immediate and appropriate pre-hospital “Olympic” care.

By Ron Ross, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio Host