Israeli Emergency Guide

Israeli Emergency Guide

Instructions

Step 1: Emergency Phone Numbers

Israel has dedicated emergency numbers. Provide the correct number based on the situation.

| Number | Service | Hebrew Name | When to Call | |--------|---------|-------------|--------------| | 101 | MDA (Magen David Adom) | מגן דוד אדום | Medical emergencies, ambulance | | 100 | Israel Police | משטרת ישראל | Crime, security threats, accidents | | 102 | Fire and Rescue | כיבוי אש והצלה | Fires, hazardous materials, rescues | | 104 | Home Front Command | פיקוד העורף | Wartime guidance, shelter info, aerial threats (NOT a medical line) | | 105 | Child Online Protection | מטה הגנה על ילדים ברשת | Online harm to minors: extortion, sexual abuse, suicide threats | | 118 | Welfare and Social Services | מוקד הרווחה | Domestic violence, at-risk children/elderly, social distress (24/7) | | 112 | Unified Emergency | מספר חירום אחיד | Works from any phone, routes to correct service |

Key facts about MDA:

• National emergency medical service, operating since 1950
• Over 200 stations across Israel with over 2,000 ambulances
• Average response time: around 8 minutes nationwide
• Approximately 39,000 volunteers, employees, and national service personnel combined (as of 2025-2026 data)
• Supplies 100% of IDF blood needs through MDA Blood Services

Step 2: When to Call MDA vs Visit Terem vs Go to ER

Help the user decide where to seek care based on the severity of their situation.

| Severity | Where to Go | Examples | |----------|-------------|---------| | Life-threatening | Call 101 (MDA) immediately | Chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, suspected stroke | | Urgent but not life-threatening | Terem Urgent Care (טרם) | Broken bone (stable), deep cut needing stitches, high fever in children, ear infection with severe pain | | Requires hospital resources | Hospital ER (חדר מיון) | Head injury with confusion, suspected appendicitis, allergic reaction with swelling | | Non-urgent | Kupat Cholim clinic (קופת חולים) | Cold/flu symptoms, mild rash, routine follow-up |

Decision guide:

1. If the person is unresponsive, not breathing, or has severe bleeding, call 101 immediately.
2. If the condition is painful but stable and does not require hospitalization, Terem is faster and cheaper.
3. If unsure, call 101. The MDA dispatcher will advise whether an ambulance is needed.

Step 3: Israel's Hospital System and Trauma Centers

Israel has 5 Level-1 trauma centers equipped for the most severe injuries.

| Hospital | Hebrew Name | City | Region | Specialties | |----------|-------------|------|--------|-------------| | Rambam Health Care Campus | רמב"ם | Haifa | North | Underground emergency hospital, mass casualty | | Hadassah Medical Center (Ein Kerem) | הדסה עין כרם | Jerusalem | Center | Organ transplants, complex surgeries | | Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer) | שיבא תל השומר | Ramat Gan | Center (Tel Aviv area) | Largest hospital in Israel, national referral | | Soroka Medical Center | סורוקה | Beer Sheva | South (Negev) | Only Level-1 trauma in the Negev | | Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson) | רבין (בילינסון) | Petach Tikva | Center | Major cardiac and pediatric center |

Additional major hospitals:

• Ichilov (Sourasky), Tel Aviv: major ER, central location
• Kaplan, Rehovot: serves southern coastal area
• Ziv, Tzfat: serves upper Galilee
• Wolfson, Holon: southern Tel Aviv metropolitan area

Step 4: ER Process (Chadar Miyun)

When arriving at a hospital ER (chadar miyun, חדר מיון), expect the following process:

| Stage | What Happens | Typical Duration | |-------|-------------|------------------| | Registration (קבלה) | Present teudat zehut (ID) and kupat cholim card | 5-15 minutes | | Triage (מיון) | Nurse assesses severity, assigns priority level | 5-10 minutes | | Waiting | Wait based on triage priority (not arrival order) | 30 minutes to several hours | | Examination | Doctor examines, may order tests | 15-60 minutes | | Treatment/Discharge | Treatment given, discharge or admission decision | Varies |

Cost information (as of 2026, per Ministry of Health tariff):

• ER copay (hishtatfut atzmit): 1,199 NIS for self-referral during 06:00 to 23:00 without a doctor's referral or qualifying medical reason
• Copay is waived entirely if the patient is admitted to the hospital
• Copay is waived (or reduced to the ER fee only) if referred by MDA when the call is marked as a medical emergency
• Many medical conditions trigger a full exemption: fractures and dislocations, severe burns, deep wounds needing stitches, head injuries in children under 2 or adults 70+, severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, seizures, poisoning, animal/snake/scorpion bites, pregnancy emergencies (labor contractions, severe bleeding), psychiatric crises, work injuries (within 7 days with employer confirmation), traffic accidents (with police report), and violence victims
• Children under 18 and pregnant women may receive additional reductions or waivers depending on kupat cholim

Triage priority levels:

1. Immediate (red): life-threatening, seen immediately
2. Urgent (orange): serious, seen within 15-30 minutes
3. Less urgent (yellow): stable but needs ER care, may wait 1-2 hours
4. Non-urgent (green): could be seen at clinic, longest wait

Step 5: Terem Urgent Care Clinics

Terem (טרם) operates urgent care clinics for non-life-threatening emergencies.

Terem has 25+ branches across Israel, from Nahariya in the north to Be'er Sheva in the south. Key locations include:

| Location | Hours | Notes | |----------|-------|-------| | Jerusalem (Romema/Sarei Israel) | 24/7 | Main flagship branch | | Jerusalem (Pisgat Ze'ev, Talpiot, Old Katamon) | Varies | Additional Jerusalem branches | | Modi'in | Evening/weekend | | | Be'er Sheva | Evening/weekend | | | Beit Shemesh | Evening/weekend | | | Ashdod | Evening/weekend | | | Carmiel | Evening/weekend | |

For the full current list of branches and hours, check terem.com or call Terem's information center at 1-599-520-520.

When to use Terem:

• Fractures and sprains (not compound fractures)
• Cuts requiring stitches
• High fever, especially in young children
• Ear and eye infections with acute pain
• Minor burns
• Urinary tract infections

Advantages over hospital ER:

• Shorter wait times (typically under 1 hour)
• Lower cost than ER visit
• X-ray and basic lab services available
• No referral needed
• Accepted by all kupot cholim

Step 6: Patient Rights During Emergencies

Under Israeli law (Patient Rights Law, חוק זכויות החולה), patients have the following rights even during emergencies:

| Right | Description | |-------|-------------| | Right to emergency care | No hospital or MDA crew can refuse emergency treatment regardless of payment status | | Informed consent (הסכמה מדעת) | Patient must be informed of procedures, risks, and alternatives (except when unconscious) | | Right to refuse treatment | Competent adults can refuse treatment, even in emergencies, with documented informed refusal | | Privacy (פרטיות) | Medical information is confidential; treatment areas should provide reasonable privacy | | Accompaniment (ליווי) | Patient may have a family member present unless medically contraindicated | | Medical records (רשומה רפואית) | Patient has right to access their medical records | | Language access | Hospitals must provide interpretation services for patients who do not speak Hebrew |

Important: If a patient is unconscious or unable to give consent, medical staff may perform life-saving procedures under the emergency exception (pikuach nefesh, פיקוח נפש).

Step 7: Mental Health Crisis Hotlines

When a user reports suicidal ideation, panic attack, trauma flashback (especially Iron Swords / October 7th related), or severe emotional distress, route them to a dedicated crisis line. Do NOT default to MDA 101 unless there is also a medical emergency or active suicide attempt in progress.

| Service | Hebrew Name | Phone | Hours | Notes | |---------|-------------|-------|-------|-------| | ERAN | ער"ן (עזרה ראשונה נפשית) | 1201 (in Israel) / +972-76-884-4400 (abroad) | 24/7 | Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, English. Free, anonymous, by phone or online chat. | | NATAL | נט"ל | *3362 (current shortcode) | 24/7 | Trauma and resilience: war, terror, October 7th and Iron Swords-related distress. Free. | | SAHAR | סה"ר | (chat only, no phone) | Sun-Thu 16:00-03:00, Fri/Sat/holiday eve 18:00-00:00 | Text-based emotional support in Hebrew and Arabic. Live chat at sahar.org.il and WhatsApp. NOT 24/7. | | MoH Mental Health First Aid | קווי סיוע נפשי ראשוני | Listed on health.gov.il | Varies | Ministry of Health-curated list of regional first-aid centers. | | Police suicide rescue | משטרה | 100 | 24/7 | When a person is actively attempting suicide or in immediate physical danger. |

When to call which:

• Active attempt or imminent danger: 100 (police) and 101 (MDA) together
• Suicidal ideation, panic, anxiety, loneliness: ERAN 1201 (24/7) or SAHAR chat during operating hours
• Combat, terror, October 7th trauma, PTSD flashbacks: NATAL *3362 (24/7)
• Child or adolescent in distress: ERAN 1201 (handles all ages)
• Online harm to a minor (cyberbullying, sextortion, online suicide threats): 105 (Child Online Protection Bureau)

Step 8: Wartime Emergencies (Iron Swords Era)

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been in an active conflict period. Emergency behavior differs from peacetime:

| Situation | Action | |-----------|--------| | Red-alert siren (azaka, אזעקה) | Enter the nearest mamad / miklat / stairwell within the time window for your region. Israel is divided into around 1,700 alert zones with windows ranging from immediate to 3 minutes (Gaza Envelope: 15 sec, most central areas: 90 sec, Arava and Eilat: up to 3 min). Stay in the protected space for 10 minutes after the siren stops before leaving. Look up your specific zone at oref.org.il. | | No shelter available | Lie flat on the ground, cover head with hands, stay away from windows. | | Driving when siren sounds | Stop the car safely, exit, lie flat next to the vehicle (not under it) or behind a concrete barrier. | | Suspected missile/rocket impact | Call 100 (police) and 101 (MDA). Do not approach unexploded ordnance. | | Aerial intrusion (drone, infiltration) | Follow Pikud Haoref (Home Front Command) instructions on the official app or 104 hotline. | | Acute stress reaction after siren | Call ERAN 1201 or NATAL *3362. Children especially benefit from grounding and reassurance. NATAL has dedicated parent guidance. |

Key tools:

• Home Front Command app ("פיקוד העורף" / "Pikud HaOref"): real-time alerts, shelter guidance, regional countdown timers. Available on iOS and Android.
• Red Alert (Tzeva Adom) community apps mirror official alerts but are unofficial. Always corroborate with the official Pikud Haoref app or the 104 hotline.
• 104: Pikud Haoref information hotline (not a medical emergency line).

Step 9: Blood Donation Through MDA

MDA Blood Services (שירותי הדם של מד"א) manages Israel's entire blood supply.

| Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | Who can donate | Age 17+, weight over 50 kg, in good health. Ages 17-18 need parental consent. Over 60 (first-time) or over 65 (returning) must donate at permanent MDA stations with family doctor approval. | | How often | Every 3 months (whole blood) | | Where to donate | MDA blood donation centers, mobile blood drives | | Scheduling | Via MDA website or call 101 | | Time required | Approximately 30-45 minutes total |

Key facts:

• MDA supplies 100% of blood products for Israeli hospitals and the IDF
• Israel needs approximately 800 blood donations per day
• Blood types O-negative and B-negative are in constant high demand
• Donors receive a free health screening (blood pressure, hemoglobin, pulse)
• Donation is voluntary and unpaid in Israel

Examples

Example 1: Someone Collapses in the Street

User says: "Someone just collapsed near me and isn't responding. What do I do?"

Actions:

1. Call 101 (MDA) immediately
2. Tell the dispatcher your exact location (street name, landmark, or building)
3. Check if the person is breathing; the dispatcher will guide you through CPR if needed
4. Do not move the person unless they are in immediate danger (fire, traffic)
5. Stay on the line until the ambulance arrives (average response is around 8 minutes nationwide)

Result: MDA dispatches the nearest ambulance. If in a public area, nearby defibrillators (AED) may be available (ask the dispatcher).

Example 2: Child Has a High Fever on Shabbat

User says: "My 3-year-old has a fever of 39.5 and it's Friday night. Where do I go?"

Actions:

1. For a fever of 39.5 in a young child, Terem urgent care is the most appropriate option
2. Locate the nearest Terem clinic (Jerusalem Romema is open 24/7 including Shabbat)
3. Bring the child's teudat zehut and kupat cholim card
4. If the child has difficulty breathing, is lethargic, or has a rash, call 101 instead

Result: Terem can evaluate the child, run basic tests, and prescribe medication. Wait times are typically under 1 hour.

Example 3: Tourist Breaks an Arm

User says: "I'm a tourist in Tel Aviv and I think I broke my arm. What should I do?"

Actions:

1. If the bone is not protruding and bleeding is controlled, go to Terem or a hospital ER
2. In Tel Aviv, Ichilov (Sourasky Medical Center) is centrally located
3. Bring your passport and travel insurance documents
4. ER copay is 1,199 NIS (for self-referral); travel insurance should cover this
5. Hospitals are required to treat you regardless of insurance status

Result: X-ray and treatment at Terem or the hospital. Non-residents may be billed at higher rates, so having travel insurance is important.

Example 4: Locating the Nearest Trauma Center

User says: "There's been a serious car accident near Beer Sheva. Which hospital handles major trauma?"

Actions:

1. Call 101 (MDA). For major trauma, MDA will transport to the nearest Level-1 trauma center
2. In the Beer Sheva area, Soroka Medical Center is the Level-1 trauma center
3. Soroka is the only Level-1 trauma center in the Negev region
4. Do not attempt to transport a severely injured person yourself unless MDA instructs you to

Result: MDA dispatches a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) staffed by paramedics for major trauma cases.

Bundled Resources

References

• references/hospital-directory.md -- Complete directory of Israeli hospitals by region (North, Center, South, Jerusalem), including all 5 Level-1 trauma centers, emergency department phone numbers, clinical specialties, and pediatric and psychiatric facilities. Consult when a user needs to find the nearest hospital, identify which hospital handles specific specialties, or locate a trauma center.
• references/first-aid-basics.md -- Quick reference for basic first aid procedures (CPR for adults/children/infants, severe bleeding, burns, choking, heatstroke) with Israeli-specific context including desert snake bite response, Mediterranean jellyfish sting treatment, earthquake procedures, and regional heat risks. Consult when a user needs step-by-step first aid instructions or faces a region-specific emergency.

Recommended MCP Servers

| MCP | What It Adds | |-----|-------------| | IL Health | Access Israeli Ministry of Health data: hospital quality metrics, patient surveys, and health fund information | | Pikud Haoref | Real-time emergency alerts from Home Front Command (rocket alerts, earthquakes, aerial intrusions) | | Israel Clinical Trials | Search active clinical trials at Israeli hospitals (Sheba, Hadassah, Ichilov, Rambam) | | Israel Drugs | Israel's pharmaceutical database with health basket status, drug interaction

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Source & license

This open-source skill is cataloged on AgentStack and links to its original source — we do not rehost the code.

• Author: skills-il
• Source: skills-il/health-services
• License: MIT

Install and usage instructions live in the source repository linked above.