A life-threatening emergency in Netanya was transformed into a “Chanukkah miracle” thanks to the rapid response of Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency medical teams. The incident occurred during the Festival of Lights, underscoring the critical role of immediate medical intervention in severe allergic reactions.
The emergency began when a six-month-old baby girl experienced anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction, after being exposed to a dairy product for the first time. Her family immediately contacted MDA’s 101 emergency dispatch center, which triggered a high-priority response involving multiple units, including motorcycle medics and a mobile intensive care unit.
Yonatan Dagiya, a senior EMT and rapid-response volunteer, was the first to arrive on the scene via a bright yellow emergency motorcycle. He quickly assessed the situation and recognized the gravity of the infant’s condition. “When I arrived, it was immediately clear that the sweet baby girl was suffering from a severe allergic reaction,” Dagiya stated.
Without hesitation, Dagiya administered a life-saving injection using an epinephrine auto-injector he carries as part of his standard medical gear. The epinephrine worked quickly to stabilize the infant’s vitals. Once she was out of immediate danger, she was handed over to a paramedic team and transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and care.
Reflecting on the event, Dagiya emphasized the narrow margin between life and death in such scenarios. “In cases of severe allergy, an EpiPen containing adrenaline [epinephrine] is the fine line between tragedy and a miracle,” he explained, underscoring how the availability of the device and the speed of the response were the deciding factors.
Dagiya also used the opportunity to educate the public on the importance of these devices, noting that they are designed to be user-friendly. He encouraged people not to be intimidated by the medical equipment, stating, “It’s important to remember that using an EpiPen is simple, and anyone, even without medical training can use it and save a life.”
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the vital work performed by volunteer EMT responders on a daily basis.
