Heart patient reunites with emergency responders

TEL AVIV (Press Release) – As in every year, MDA (Magen David Adom) teams prepared for the busy night ahead on New Year’s Eve, which would include tending to people found in medical emergencies such as excessive alcohol consumption, car accidents, child labor and more. That night, dozens of calls came into the Dan Region dispatch center, and while MDA staff was hard at work, Ilan Melzer showed up for his annual visit.

Melzer, a 63 year old man from Tel Aviv, would host New Year’s parties at his home every year, but in the year 2000, something went wrong. During the party, Ilan started feeling pain. His wife immediately called MDA asking the dispatcher to send over an ambulance. While she was on the phone, Ilan was resting in his room and asked her to cancel the ambulance as he was suddenly feeling better. Dispatcher Ayala Messika sensed that this was only a temporary relief, and insisting on not cancelling the ambulance as this was a life risking emergency.

By the time the ambulance arrived at his house, Ilan’s condition deteriorated. He lost consciousness and his heart stopped. Medical personnel began fighting for his life with extensive resuscitation efforts that included medication, massaging, ventilation, and electric shocks. When Ilan was finally stabilized, the team rushed him to the hospital where the doctors commended their work.

Since then Ilan recovered, but the moments in which MDA medics fought for his life remains engraved in his heart. 17 years later, he continues to show up at the Tel Aviv MDA station every New Year’s Eve, 30 minutes past midnight, to tell his story, thank the employees and volunteers and hand out candy.

Manager of the Dan Region dispatch center, Meir Mohadev, wanted to surprise Melzer this year with a reunion with the paramedics who saved his life. When Melzer arrived at the station, he was surprised and emotional to find out that Haim Segal, the paramedic who was driving the Advanced Life Support Ambulance that night, and Ofer Shapira, the paramedic in charge of the dispatch center shift that night, were there waiting to meet him. Everyone present at the reunion attest that it was incredibly moving and emotional.

Meir Mohadev, Manager of the Dan Region dispatch center, said: “This year I’ve decided that in addition to us receiving candy, Ilan also deserves some “sweetness” and that’s why I initiated this reunion. To this day, Ilan’s case is an example to all MDA paramedics. The dispatcher’s professionalism led to a wise decision that turned out to be lifesaving.”

Haim Segal, MDA paramedic who drove the emergency vehicle that night, added: “The reunion was very touching and brought up many memories. This incident is living proof of the work we do – we lose the fight for the lives of patients many times, but when we win, it reinforces why this is our calling, it’s a feeling of immense gratification.”

Ilan Melzer: “I remember that night very clearly. MDA medics in my bedroom, the preliminary treatment they provided, and waking up in the ER. They even came to visit me in the hospital days later – that’s what I remember best, their care and concern for me. The most touching detail of this story, I believe, is how the dispatcher, Ayala, was able to decipher the situation and realize that my life was at risk. Arriving at the station allows me to come full circle and thank MDA staff members for their hard work, and I would like to thank everyone involved in making my visit this year one to remember.”

Eli Bin, MDA Director General: “The story of Ilan Melzer embodies the essence of the operations MDA engages in on a daily basis – the ability to listen and quickly comprehend the situation at hand. These capabilities often lead to critical, lifesaving decisions both at the dispatch center and on the field. Success stories like this fuel our teams to continue doing what they do. I would like to thank Ilan for his support and gratefulness, and wish everyone a happy new year.”

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Preceding provided by Magen David Adom