Jerusalem is a city that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. While it is a beautiful and vibrant city, emergencies can happen at any time, and it’s important for visitors to know what emergency services are available to them. Fortunately, Jerusalem has a well-established emergency services system that can provide assistance in a variety of situations.
One of the most crucial emergency services in Jerusalem is the ambulance service. The ambulance service in Jerusalem is run by Magen David Adom, which is Israel’s national emergency medical service. The organization has approximately 22,000 volunteers and 2,550 employees, including paramedics and first responders. They operate 166 stations and have a fleet of over 1,000 ambulances. In an emergency situation, visitors can call the ambulance service by dialing 101. It’s important to note that while the ambulance service is available 24/7, they may not always be able to respond immediately due to heavy demand.
Current Emergency Services
Jerusalem has a robust emergency services network that includes the police, EMS, and fire department. In case of an emergency, it is essential to know the correct number to call to get the help you need as quickly as possible. The following sub-sections provide information on how to contact each of these services.
Police – Call 100
The Israeli Police Force is responsible for maintaining law and order in the country. In Jerusalem, the police can be contacted by calling 100. The police are available 24/7 and can respond to emergencies such as accidents, theft, and violent crimes. When calling 100, it is crucial to provide the operator with accurate information about the emergency, including the location and the nature of the incident.
EMS
There are two Emergency Medical Services in Jerusalem, as well as throughout Israel. When one is called the other is also notified.
Magen David Adom – Call 101
Magen David Adom (MDA) a fleet of ambulances and employs highly trained paramedics who can provide immediate medical assistance in case of an emergency. When calling 101, it is essential to provide the operator with accurate information about the emergency, including the location and the nature of the medical issue.
United Hatzalah – Call 1221
United Hatzalah consists of over 6,000 fully trained first response volunteers. They provide completely free services and whose mission it is to fill the gap between when the emergency occurs and the arrival of an ambulance. United Hatzalah volunteers utilize various vehicles, including ambucycles, e-bikes, ambuboats, ATVs and more in order to reach the patients in their most vital time of need. They have succeeded at trimming the national average EMS response time to less than three minutes and in urban areas to less than 90 seconds.
Fire Department – Call 102
The Jerusalem Fire Department is responsible for responding to fires and other emergencies that require specialized equipment and training. In case of a fire or other emergency, the fire department can be contacted by calling 102. The fire department operates a fleet of fire trucks and employs highly trained firefighters who can respond to emergencies quickly. When calling 102, it is essential to provide the operator with accurate information about the emergency, including the location and the nature of the incident.
In conclusion, Jerusalem has a robust emergency services network that includes the police, EMS, and fire department. It is essential to know the correct number to call in case of an emergency to get the help you need as quickly as possible. By calling the correct number and providing accurate information about the emergency, you can help emergency responders provide the assistance you need.
Hospitals and Urgent Care
Jerusalem has a variety of hospitals and urgent care centers that provide medical services to both locals and tourists. In this section, we will highlight some of the most popular options for emergency medical care in the city.
Terem Emergency Service Storefronts
Terem is an urgent care center that offers a range of services under one roof, including x-rays and laboratory tests on site. Many of the doctors and staff speak English. Terem has several storefronts located throughout Jerusalem, including in the neighborhoods of Givat Shaul, Arnona, and the Promenade. They are open 24/7 and do not require appointments. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hadassah Hospital Har HaTzofim
Hadassah Hospital Har HaTzofim (8 Sderot Churchill) is a public hospital located in the northern part of Jerusalem. The hospital has a dedicated emergency department that is open 24/7 and staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians. The department provides medical care for most emergencies, including major trauma and surgical subspecialties, such as neurology and cardiology. The hospital also has an on-site laboratory and imaging center, which allows for quick and accurate diagnoses.
Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem
Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem (Kalman Ya’akov Man St) is a large, modern hospital located in the southwest part of Jerusalem. The hospital has a dedicated emergency department that is open 24/7 and staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians. The department provides medical care for most emergencies, including major trauma and surgical subspecialties, such as neurology and cardiology. The hospital also has an on-site laboratory and imaging center, which allows for quick and accurate diagnoses.
Shaarei Tzedek Hospital
Shaarei Tzedek (12 Shmu’el Bait St) Hospital is a public hospital located in the heart of Jerusalem. The hospital has a dedicated emergency department that is open 24/7 and staffed by board-certified emergency medicine physicians. The department provides medical care for most emergencies, including major trauma and surgical subspecialties, such as neurology and cardiology. The hospital also has an on-site laboratory and imaging center, which allows for quick and accurate diagnoses. In addition, Shaarei Tzedek Hospital is known for its excellent maternity and neonatal care.
Role of Emergency Services
Emergency services in Jerusalem play a critical role in maintaining public safety and managing disasters. These services include emergency medical services, police, and fire departments. In this section, we will explore the role of emergency services in Jerusalem in two sub-sections: Public Safety and Disaster Management.
Public Safety
Emergency services in Jerusalem are responsible for ensuring public safety. Emergency medical services, for instance, provide immediate medical assistance to those in need. The Magen David Adom (MDA) is the national EMS organization of Israel and operates 166 stations with a fleet of over 1000 ambulances [1]. The MDA consists of approximately 22,000 volunteers and 2550 employees, including paramedics and first responders.
The police department in Jerusalem is responsible for ensuring public safety by preventing crime, maintaining order, and responding to emergencies. The Jerusalem Police Department operates 24/7 and has a special unit for dealing with terrorism and other critical incidents.
The fire department in Jerusalem is responsible for responding to fires, explosions, and other emergencies. The Jerusalem Fire Department operates 24/7 and has a special unit for dealing with hazardous materials.
Disaster Management
Emergency services in Jerusalem are also responsible for managing disasters. The National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) is responsible for enhancing the preparedness of emergency service providers and related offices, assisting the Minister of Defense, emergency bodies, and service providers during emergency scenarios, and assessing threats and submitting analysis of their impact on civilians and the public sphere [2].
In the event of a disaster, the emergency services work together to provide immediate assistance to those affected. The MDA provides medical assistance, while the police department provides security and maintains order. The fire department provides assistance in search and rescue operations and extinguishing fires.
Overall, emergency services in Jerusalem play a crucial role in ensuring public safety and managing disasters. By working together, these services help to keep the people of Jerusalem safe and secure.
References
- Emergency medical services in Israel – Wikipedia
- National Emergency Management Authority – Ministry of Defense
Conclusion
The emergency medical services in Jerusalem play a crucial role in responding to various emergencies, including pandemics, earthquakes, and other disasters. The EMS system in Israel is primarily focused on the defense of the rear area, which is reflected in its emergency management practices. The IDF Field Hospital in Jerusalem is the first in the world to receive a Type 3 designation, which signifies its ability to maintain two operating suites, 40 inpatient beds, and 200 daily emergency department visits, in addition to laboratory and radiology services.
The EMS system in Jerusalem has been tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has demonstrated its ability to work effectively in the pre-exposure period by instructing home quarantine, providing protected transport, and staffing border control checkpoints. The system has also faced ethical challenges, such as controversies related to triage and resource allocation. However, the EMS providers have been able to manage these challenges by following best practices and guidelines.
The social and structural determinants of emergency department use among the Arab and Jewish populations in Israel have been studied, and significant differences have been found between the two populations in terms of health status and access to health services. Structural factors, such as income, education, and insurance status, have been found to be associated with repeat ED requests in both ethnic groups.
In conclusion, the emergency medical services in Jerusalem are an essential component of the healthcare system in Israel. They have demonstrated their ability to respond to various emergencies and to work effectively in the pre-exposure period of pandemics. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as the disparities in access to health services between different populations. The EMS providers in Jerusalem are committed to providing the best care possible to all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances.