Green Aid purchased a motor bike ambulance (Number 1057) for Magen David Adom (MDA) (Israel’s Red Cross organisation). MDA uses motor bikes to enable it to reach incidents more quickly than can conventional ambulances through Jerusalem’s crowded narrow streets.
The following information was received from Yiftach Levi, the director of the National First Responders unit.
Motorbike – Operational number 1057 Stationed in Jerusalem
One of the first responders assigned for this motorbike is Beni Livkend – a Jerusalem resident
Mr. Livkend is 29 years old, married +2. He has been volunteering in MDA since the age of 15 and married his childhood sweetheart whom he met in MDA.His wife’s parents were murdered a month after his first child was born – shooting in Gush Katif. He and his wife decided to take over the role of looking after the siblings. Beni is working in a legal consulting company and studying law at night yet he still finds the time to volunteer in MDA. Ever since Beni received the motorbike, about a year ago, he has responded to over 180 calls – an average of 15 per year.
A few days ago, after coming home from work at midnight, he responded to a call from the dispatch center regarding an unconscious adult living just a few blocks away. Despite the lack of sleep, Beni responded immediately and arrived to the scene and started treating the patient. The MICU team which arrived a few minutes later continued treating the patient and as a result of the immediate care the patient recovered.
The patient’s son, a high valued heart surgeon from Hadassah hospital was grateful for the immediate treatment and care his father received.
Beni says that the genuine appreciation is the one of his family who stand by him and especially his wife.
For more information on MDA see www.mdauk.org.