British ambassador moonlights in TA with medics

British Ambassador Matthew Gould removed his diplomatic garb last Saturday night and donned a motorcycle helmet and comfortable clothes to accompany United Hatzalah medics on the back of an ambucycle to provide emergency medical care in Tel Aviv.

This time, instead of receiving VIP treatment, Gould gave it together with United Hatzalah founder and president Eli Beer and volunteer Elad Nissanholtz.

“He joined us for an evening to experience the United Hatzalah speed firsthand and to help us treating patients,” said Beer.

And Gould wasn’t disappointed.

“I wanted to see for myself the work the volunteers of United Hatzalah are doing,” said Gould. “Getting on the bike with the volunteers showed me what these people are really doing. They arrived at emergency calls within minutes. Thanks to their ambucycles, they move fast, and their speed saves lives.”

Beer saw Gould’s participation as an opportunity for United Hatzalah.

“It’s very important for us to show what we are doing to everyone. They have to see how much time matters in case of emergencies, how one minute can mean the difference between life and death,” he said. “The British ambassador is a man with influence and a golden heart. We hope he will make our cause his own and become our ambassador too throughout the world.”

The unusual medic team responded to the scene of a severe car accident, then treated a woman who suffered a heart attack and a 97-year-old man who had breathing difficulties. The total number of incidents was six in one shift.

“I was impressed to see the dedication of the medics of United Hatzalah, how they cooperate with the staff of MDA, how they go out of their way to ensure the best possible care for patients regardless of race, religion or national origin,” the ambassador said.

“A.” called for help for his mother who was not feeling well and was more than a little bit surprised to find out that the British ambassador was among the volunteers.

“Way to go,” A. said. “It shows the ambassador cares about those in need. I hope he will continue doing so. The fact that the United Hatzalah team arrived so fast makes a huge difference.”