The Civilian Israeli EMTs Who Carry Guns Near The Frontlines

Stay strapped or get clapped.

ASHKELON, Israel — It was another routine call for the medical volunteers of United Hatzalah in the largest city right by the frontlines of the Israel-Hamas war on Sunday when the rocket sirens blared their warnings of incoming fire. Being on the top floor of the apartment building, the team I was with, along with the patient, had to run out of the apartment in case an incoming rocket made it past the Iron Dome.

Thankfully, there was no direct hit that we knew of once it was all clear.

The volunteer EMTs and paramedics of United Hatzalah are just like any other emergency medical service. They have ambulances, training, and drive to help people in their time of need. But unlike most emergency medical providers in other countries, they respond to calls wearing flak jackets and helmets and, often, carrying firearms.