Calgary Canadian Magen David Adom donation is saving lives in the Sea of Galilee

Lenny and Faigel Shapiro recently donated a $240 thousand Advanced Life Support Boat that is responding to emergencies and saving lives on the beaches and communities on Lake Kinneret in Tiberias. (Photo supplied).

By Shael Gelfand 

(AJNews) – An Advanced Life Support Boat donated by CMDA supporters Leonard and Faigel Shapiro is making waves in Israel.

Lenny and Faigel Shapiro.

Leonard and Faigel Shapiro’s generous support for Canadian Magen David Adom over many years, has helped saved countless lives. The Shapiros have donated standard ambulances, advanced life support vehicles and emergency medi-scooters that are in service throughout Israel. And now, their latest gift is helping to protect and save lives on the waters of the Sea of Galilee.

The Shapiros recently donated a $240 thousand Advanced Life Support Boat that is on-call to respond to emergencies on the beaches and communities on Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) in Tiberias. It’s one of the world’s most advanced emergency response vessels. Equipped with two powerful outboard motors and with a speed of 35 knots, regardless of conditions, the boat can reach most incident scenes in eight minutes or less. It can carry up to 1,000 kg. (2,205 lbs.), as well as eight crew members and/or patients.

In just the first month in operation the Shapiro Advanced Life Support Boat successfully responded to many calls including a two-month-old baby who was burned by hot water at the beach and a 12-year-old boy who became dehydrated during a cruise and lost consciousness, hitting his head on the pier.

“Faigel and I are gratified that the boat is having such a significant impact on MDA’s ability to respond to emergencies on the water,” says Mr. Shapiro. “It has quickly become a vital piece of equipment and is already saving lives.”

Lenny Shapiro in Calgary with Sharon Fraiman, CMDA Western Regional Director.

The boat is equipped with advanced life support medical tools including a defibrillator, respirator and vital signs monitors and is staffed by a specially trained team of MDA paramedics and EMTs. Its unique design gives the boat the ability to moor close to the shore, and the bow opens to allow responders to easily load patients from both in the water and on the beaches. It’s a real game-changer in MDA’s ability to respond to water emergencies.

“This is another wonderful gift from the Shapiros to the people of Israel,” says Sharon Fraiman, Western Region Director for CMDA. “We are so thankful for their on-going support for CMDA.”

The new Advanced Life Support will be stationed at Lido Beach in Tiberias. The central location provides quick access to all the beaches and allows the crew to assist in road accidents on two major highways that run along the lake.

“MDA’s Advanced Life Support Boat will allow us to significantly improve our capabilities and reach all patients,” said Eli Bin, MDA director-general. “I thank our dear donors from Canada, Leonard and Faigel Shapiro and their families, for making this possible.”

To donate contact sfraiman@cmdai.org.

Be the first to comment on "Calgary Canadian Magen David Adom donation is saving lives in the Sea of Galilee"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*