United Hatzalah launches first EMT training program for young adults

For seven young adults from four countries, a semester in Israel will come with an unusual challenge: learning how to save lives.

United Hatzalah this week welcomed the inaugural class of its new NREMT Masa Program, giving participants the opportunity to earn an American-recognized Emergency Medical Technician certification while living in Israel and gaining hands-on experience responding to medical emergencies.

The first cohort includes participants from the United States, Canada, Panama and Australia, ranging in age from 18 to 28. Two of the participants are 18-year-olds preparing to begin college, while others are in their 20s and looking to explore careers in healthcare and emergency medicine.

The program will run through December, combining professional EMT training with an immersive Masa experience in Israel. Participants will first complete United Hatzalah's NREMT course before moving into ambulance shifts beginning in October, when they will join volunteer teams responding to emergencies in communities across the country.

For the participants, the experience is designed to go beyond the classroom. Working alongside emergency responders will put their training to the test in real-world situations, while giving them an opportunity to experience Israel through the lens of medical service and community volunteering.

“This program is about much more than earning an EMT certification,” said Eli Beer, founder and president of United Hatzalah. “What could be more meaningful than learning to save lives while living in Israel?”

The initiative was launched in partnership with Destination Israel, a Masa provider, and is intended for young adults seeking a combination of personal growth, time in Israel and practical professional training.

Beer said the first seven participants are helping establish a program that United Hatzalah hopes will become a flagship initiative and strengthen its ties with young people in Jewish communities around the world.

“Our hope is that every participant leaves with unforgettable memories, and a lifelong skill to respond in an emergency situation,” Beer said.