The development and history of the paramedic profession in Israel

The paramedic profession in Israel was established in 1979 by Dr Nancy Caroline, medical director of the national emergency medical services (EMS) system, Magen David Adom. Since its establishment the profession has developed considerably and paramedics are currently at the frontier of pre-hospital emergency care in Israel. The training of paramedics in Israel has evolved over the years from a basic course to an advanced, highly specialised course as well as an academic degree. In the past, paramedics worked alongside physicians, but today, the majority of the EMS system is run independently by paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). The further development of the paramedic profession has even seen paramedics incorporated into urgent care centres, factories and hospitals.

This article is based on historical documents and interviews, and aims to review the history of the paramedic profession in Israel as well as its current status.

Israel has a national EMS system—Magen David Adom (MDA). MDA is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that works as a standalone corporation by law. MDA was established during the First World War as an organisation aiding wounded Jews. 1919 saw the opening of branches in Palestine to supply first aid. This was followed by the establishment of an ambulance service in 1931, with the MDA law legislated in 1950, two years after the state of Israel was established. The law specified that the role of MDA was to deliver first aid, and supply blood. Most recently, in 2006, MDA joined the Red Cross. As MDA is the national EMS system in Israel, it is responsible for the training of manpower in first aid, paramedics included (Hadas et al, 1984; Ellis and Sorene, 2008).