Paramedic Suffers Heart Attack During Course at MADA

Alon, a 55-year-old individual who uses a pseudonym, has a long-standing career as a paramedic at the Medical Disaster Association (MDA). He has spent countless hours in the field, providing emergency medical services and saving lives. However, about 7 years ago, Alon decided to further his knowledge and skills in the field by enrolling in the MDA paramedic course.

The course was a challenging one that required Alon to undergo a series of experiences in a variety of operating rooms. These experiences included observing and assisting in different types of surgeries such as pediatric surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, and other life-saving surgeries. Alon recalls that before the course participants stepped into the hospital for the first time, he had a conversation with a trainee where he mentioned that this would be their first encounter with invasive medical procedures and the inside of an operating room. He reassured the trainee, stating that despite the intimidating environment, he believed there was nothing to fear. He drew upon his own experiences at the MDA, where he faced and assisted the wounded on a daily basis.

During one of these operations, Alon witnessed a surgeon make an incision into the neck of a patient who just moments ago was conversing normally. He watched as the surgeon inserted instruments (“plucked” in his words) into the incision, all while explaining the procedure to the observing trainees. The sight was challenging for Alon, but he continued to watch until the end of the operation. As the surgery progressed, Alon noticed a significant increase in his heart rate, which he initially attributed to the intensity and emotional impact of the experience. However, he soon began to experience chest and shoulder pain.

After the operation ended, Alon confided in a fellow colleague about the distress he felt during the operation and the persistent pain in his chest and shoulder. Noticing Alon’s pale complexion and profuse sweating, the concerned colleague urged him to seek immediate medical attention. Acting on this advice, Alon underwent an Electrocardiogram (EKG) test in the same hospital where the operation took place. The test results revealed an alarming truth – Alon was in the midst of a heart attack.

Six years after this incident, Alon filed a lawsuit through his attorney, Elisher Feingersh from Markman Tomshin & Co. In the lawsuit, it was claimed that the heart attack he experienced during his training was an unusual event that should be considered a work accident, given it occurred during a course taken as part of his training as a paramedic at the MDA.

After several years since the incident, the National Insurance recently recognized Alon’s heart attack as a work accident. Following this recognition, Alon, who continues to serve as a paramedic at the MDA, will be called before a medical committee. This committee will assess the degree of disability he has incurred as a result of the heart attack. Based on their evaluation, Alon will be entitled to a disability allowance for the remainder of his life.