The lifesaving mission of Magen David Adom

In times of crisis, every second counts. For the people of Israel, Magen David Adom (MDA) stands as a beacon of hope—a rapid-response medical organization dedicated to saving lives amid emergencies, disasters, and everyday health challenges. American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) ensures that Israel’s 37,500 paramedics, EMTs, first responders, and first-aid providers—both volunteers and staff—are equipped with the vehicles, training, and equipment they need to serve a nation often under pressure. AFMDA allows donors to play a direct role in sustaining this lifesaving organization, even from thousands of miles away.

Magen David Adom: Israel’s Lifeline

Magen David Adom, Hebrew for "red shield of David," is Israel’s national emergency medical service. Founded in 1930, MDA has grown into a cornerstone of Israel’s healthcare infrastructure, responding to everything from routine medical calls to mass-casualty incidents caused by terror attacks, natural disasters, or military conflicts. MDA is Israel’s largest volunteer organization and operates around the clock — handling an astonishing 3,644,612 emergency calls in 2024 alone.

The scope of MDA’s operations is vast. Its fleet of 2,650 emergency vehicles includes Basic Life Support ambulances, Mobile Intensive Care Units, Medicycles, all-terrain vehicles, and even sea ambulances, enabling rapid response across Israel’s diverse terrain and coastal regions. In 2024, MDA deployed these vehicles 1,444,924 times—an average of one team dispatched every 21.8 seconds. Beyond emergency transport, MDA oversees Israel’s blood supply, collecting, testing, and processing 280,183 blood units last year to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and civilian hospitals. The organization also delivered 1,156 babies with the assistance of its teams and provided 121,054 ounces of breastmilk to infants in need during the same period.

MDA’s network of 206 stations ensures coverage across the country, from bustling urban centers to remote rural areas. These facilities, along with the staff and volunteers who operate them, are supported by cutting-edge equipment and continuous training, preparing them for any scenario—be it a terrorist attack, a natural disaster, or a sudden medical emergency.

The Role of American Friends of Magen David Adom

While MDA operates on the ground in Israel, the American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) serves as its lifeline in the United States. Accessible at MagenDavidAdom.org, AFMDA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness to support MDA’s mission. Through donations, AFMDA ensures that MDA’s teams have the resources they need to save lives, no matter the circumstances.

AFMDA’s efforts focus on five key areas:

1. Ambulances and Lifesaving Vehicles: Donations fund the purchase and maintenance of MDA’s diverse fleet, from MICUs equipped with advanced life-support systems to agile Medicycles that navigate narrow or traffic-clogged streets. These vehicles are critical for reaching patients quickly and providing immediate care.
2. Training for EMTs and Paramedics: AFMDA supports training programs that keep MDA’s responders at the forefront of emergency medical care — running 378 training drills in 2024 alone. This preparation is essential for handling complex scenarios like mass-casualty events, where every decision can mean the difference between life and death.
3. Blood Supply for IDF and Hospitals: AFMDA helps MDA maintain a steady supply of tested and typed blood, ensuring availability for soldiers, civilians, and medical facilities during crises and routine operations alike.
4. Equipment and Supplies: From defibrillators to bandages, AFMDA provides the urgent tools that MDA teams rely on daily. These supplies are often the margin between survival and tragedy in the chaos of an emergency.
5. Emergency Medical Stations and Facilities: Contributions help modernize and repair MDA’s stations, protecting staff and safeguarding operations against wear, damage, or attacks.

Donors’ Impact: A Lifeline from Afar

The numbers speak to the profound impact of AFMDA’s support. In 2024, MDA’s 2,650 emergency vehicles and 206 stations remained in active service, bolstered by donor generosity. The organization’s ability to respond to over 3.6 million emergency calls, deliver thousands of babies, and provide hundreds of thousands of blood units reflects the tangible difference made by contributions from American donors.

For Americans, supporting AFMDA offers a unique opportunity to save lives in Israel without leaving home. Whether funding a stretcher, a training session, or an entire ambulance, each donation strengthens MDA’s capacity to act swiftly and effectively. As crises continue to challenge Israel—be it through conflict, disaster, or the everyday needs of a growing population—AFMDA ensures that MDA remains ready to answer the call.

A Call to Action

Now, more than ever, Magen David Adom relies on global support to fulfill its mission. Through AFMDA, individuals can join a legacy of compassion and resilience, helping Israel’s first responders protect, save, and give life. To learn more or contribute, visit MagenDavidAdom.org and discover how you can help save lives in Israel today.

This article was written in cooperation with AFMDA