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Magen David Adom (MDA, "Red Shield of David") is Israel's national emergency medical service, the equivalent of US 911 EMS or French SAMU. The number is 101, free from any phone, anywhere in the country. Founded in 1930, MDA operates with ~25,000 volunteers and ~3,000 paid staff, running ambulances, mobile ICU units (Natan), motorbike paramedics, and the national blood bank. Post-October 7, average response time to terror attacks is 7 minutes nationwide.
Cultural note, Calling 101 typically connects you with a Hebrew-speaking operator first; English speakers can request a transfer with "Speak English please." Provide: location (rehov + mispar bayit), nature of emergency, age and condition of the patient. MDA dispatches a paramedic-staffed ambulance for cardiac and severe trauma, a basic ambulance for transport. Standard reporting terms include "pa\'amati" (vital signs) and "hodaah dachufa" (urgent message). Israelis call 101 without hesitation, even for moderate emergencies, the system is built for volume, not for triage anxiety.
Emergency Numbers
Common Emergencies
Critical Symptoms
Ambulance Vocabulary
Reporting an Emergency
Calling 101
An oleh witnesses a fall and calls MDA.