Israel's national emergency medical service readies for a Hezbollah response following an IDF strike: 'On high alert'

The IDF's targeting and killing of Fuad Shukr, a senior leader of Hezbollah, in Beirut has prompted Israel's national emergency medical service to prepare for a response.

The IDF strike on Tuesday was a response to the rocket attack on the weekend that resulted in the deaths of 12 Israeli children and teens in Majdal Shams, a Druze town in Israel's Golan Heights.

On Wednesday, both Hezbollah and Hamas confirmed the deaths of their respective leaders, despite confirmations from the IDF and the U.S.

Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedic Aryeh Myers stated in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital that the emergency medical service is prepared for any further attacks and has ambulances and volunteers ready to respond.

He stated that due to the recent incidents in Lebanon, we have been placed on high alert once again.

"We always prepare for any multi-casualty event, including terror attacks, war, earthquakes, or any other potential disaster."

Since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led terror attack in southern Israel, where over 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage, Israeli authorities launched a new project to train civilians to provide an initial medical response in emergency situations.

The Magen Project aims to enlist community members capable of promptly reacting to dynamic occurrences.

Myers stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that we have had individuals during the war who have come to us for basic training to acquire fundamental lifesaving skills, such as stopping bleeding or performing CPR.

"In the event of an emergency occurring nearby, they will be equipped to respond promptly with vehicles and training provided by us. These vehicles may include ambulances, rapid response vehicles, and other types of vehicles that enable them to reach the scene quickly and begin treating the casualties before the ambulances arrive."

Myers states that MDA, with approximately 33,000 volunteers, ensures that its emergency vehicles are staffed around the clock, every day of the week.

Since Oct. 7, communities have increased their readiness for future attacks. Medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and EMTs, have pursued additional training to better handle trauma patients.

A three-day national drill in Israel has just ended, simulating the scenario of a total power outage.

Emergency services are taking longer to respond as more communities have civilians with some medical knowledge providing initial care.

Myers stated that it is important to have community-based teams throughout the country to handle issues as they arise.