Morristown teen Aron Goodman, together with 49 teens from different parts of the United States and Canada, teamed up with United Hatzalah to train as first responders in Israel. Following graduation from the emergency medical response training course which included a mass casualty incident (MCI) training drill in the Aminadav Forest on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Aron became a fully registered emergency medical responder (EMR). This program, Hatzalah Rescue, is organized by NCSY.

The MCI drill simulated a bus crash, with dozens of actors portraying injured passengers. The recent EMR graduates provided medical treatment at the scene to the simulated injuries of the actors and assisted the ambulance teams that arrived in performing triage and transporting the “victims” to the hospital. Following the drill, Aron joined the regular ambulance shifts around the country responding to medical emergencies.

Aron and his team responded to various calls and were able to administer aid as needed. “I joined this program because I wanted to be able to help people in an emergency,” he said. “It’s about being a part of the community and giving back when I can. I plan to continue my training when I’m back in New Jersey.”

Aron is a rising senior at Morristown High School.

By Taya Friedman