Being an experience EMT having worked professionally in the field I have to say that the volunteers of Hatzolah demonstrate a level of professionalism, caring, and competence that really rivals the municipal emergency services. These volunteers avail themselves 24/7/365, dropping everything at a moment's notice (even dinner with their families) to rush to the aid of their neighbors. Amazing!
It is always shocking when I explain to bystanders, that in a city as large as Los Angeles, that has its own excellent EMS program, we are available and able to treat patients with the same skills and greateer understanding and communication than any EMS program due to our equal background. Every patient is treated as family, and that connot be replicated by a non-volunteer program. It is one of the greatest volunteer - non-profits out there!
Hatzolah continues to beat there response time every day a call is placed. They have a team of wonderful dispatchers who volunteer hours of time away from their families in order to dispatch a call. Without an organization like Hatzolah the Jewish communities would be crippled. Even as a dispatcher we have called upon Hatzolah for our own family and every time we are amazed with the care that is given. Everyone is considered a member of the Hatzolah Family even if they aren't Jewish. Many time Hatzolah has responded to calls where in fact the victim wasn't Jewish and each time that patient has walked away shocked that Jews would stop what they are doing no matter how busy to help another person in need.
Hatzolah is a vital organization to have in your city!! We are community members who live and work in the community who have an EMT license that respond to ALL medical emergencies. We have an average of 90 seconds for at least one EMT to be on the scene of the emergency. I can't thank Hatzolah enough for being in LA and for adding me to the list of selfless and dedicated volunteers who will at a moments notice leave their own family to go and help a complete stranger.
The volunteers of Hatzolah who serve the Los angeles area truly save lives. Hatzolah is a first responder EMS organization. Their dedication and 24 hour vigilance to help those in precious lifesaving need in a moments notice is a testament to who they. In a way they are guardian angeles in the city of angels. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this amazing organization and to work along side these dedicated individuals who serve the community of Los Angeles.