Combat medics loading APC's with medical equipment. Photo: Or Nir, Medical Corps IDF Spokesperson

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On Saturday evening (Dec. 27), reservists from the Medical Corps' Initial Resuscitation Division received orders to mobilize.  By Sunday (Dec. 28), it had already begun gathering medical equipment from IDF bases on its way to the South.  That same evening the division joined combat brigade companies that are positioned in the South.

In the afternoon, doctors, medics and paramedics assembled in bases. Medical personnel included Sergeant First Class Adir Ben-Ezri, who has 10 years experience as a mobile paramedic for intensive care.  “This morning, I received the call up and my wife became nervous.  I calmed her down and explained to her that – from my point of view – there was no way I wasn't reporting for duty,” said Sergeant First Class Ben-Ezri.  Before he went down to the preparation field and possibly to the combat fields, Ben-Ezri added that the most important part of the medical staff work is the protocol, organized supervision, constant checkups on the wounded and alertness to any changes in their conditions.

The Medical Corps' reserve duty divisions are called up every few months on a regular basis for complete fitness training – everyone from lowest soldier to high ranking commanders.  As recently as just a few days ago the forces participated in training exercises.  Yesterday, several Medical Corps' divisions arrived at the Medical Simulation Center and went through special training before they joined the combat brigades.  Today, the Medical Corps' divisions are continuously training all over the country in order to prepare themselves.