Volunteers

Want to know more about the Hatzolah team? Take a closer look at the men and women behind this remarkable organisation; about their background, experiences and inspirations. Learn more about the expertly trained volunteers who dedicate their time freely to the pursuit of helping those in need and saving lives. These are the people waiting on the other end of the line when you make that call.

Lennie

What inspired you to join Hatzolah?

I always wanted to be involved in Emergency Medical Services and the opportunity arose when I found out that Hatzolah was running a course.

How long have you been on the Hatzolah team?

Since 2004.

What kind of training did you receive in order to join Hatzolah and what do you do to maintain it?

I did an Ambulance Assistant Course in 2004, which gave me the qualification of Basic Life Support Paramedic. I attend regular CPR update courses and attend monthly Hatzolah training. I am currently in the process of completing my intermediate life support paramedic course, which I’ve been doing part time since March 2009. I also regularly read medical articles related to emergency pre-hospital care.

What makes Hatzolah different to other emergency services?

We offer a niche emergency service in that we cater primarily for the Jewish community, offering above average response times and a level of care and compassion rarely seen in the industry. Also, being an organisation that does not charge for its services, we don’t have to differentiate between medical aid and non-medical aid clients, as well as those who cannot afford our excellent service and level of care. Although we were set up primarily to service the Jewish Community, we also respond with the same efficiency and expertise to all patients regardless of race, creed or colour.

Why does the community need an organisation like Hatzolah?

In most instances, our response times are unparalleled, and in a life threatening situation, when seconds count, it could mean the difference between life and death.

Describe the most rewarding situation you’ve ever responded to in your Hatzolah career.

There are too many to name just one, but any call where I know I made a real difference is rewarding. I remember the first successful resuscitation I went to, where we used our newly donated Autopulse machine for the first time. The patient was resuscitated successfully and transported to hospital for further treatment. It was really great to get a heartbeat back, and clearly see the difference we had made.

Bernard

What inspired you to join Hatzolah?

I’ve always had an interest in medicine, and this was a way I could fulfill my own interests and help the community as well.

How long have you been on the Hatzolah team?

I joined in mid-2004

What kind of training did you receive in order to join Hatzolah?

I was lucky enough to be on Hatzolah’s first Basic Ambulance Assistant course, run by one of the Hatzolah volunteers. This was a great opportunity as it prepared me for working with the other volunteers in Hatzolah, which I wouldn’t have gotten from a standard course.