Falls on the way to the shelter: More than 400 people have been injured since the beginning of Operation "Roar of the Lion" while making their way to a protected space following the sirens. According to data from the Ministry of Health, as of Sunday, March 8, 2026, 424 people who were injured on the way to the protected space were evacuated to hospitals. Three of the injured were defined as being in serious condition, 11 in moderate condition, 402 in mild condition and eight additional people arrived for treatment following an anxiety reaction.
According to the data, the severe injuries were recorded mainly among people aged 65 and older, an age group known to be more vulnerable to falls and injuries. However, Ministry of Health data show that another age group in which a high incidence of injuries was recorded is people aged 20 to 30, apparently due to rapid movement under pressure during the sirens.
The Ministry of Health notes that in most cases the injuries were caused by falls, slips or collisions with objects while reaching the protected space. The sense of urgency and pressure to reach a protected place quickly sometimes leads to running, hurriedly going down stairs or moving in partial lighting conditions, situations that increase the risk of injury.
In light of the injury data, the Ministry of Health is publishing a series of guidelines for the public intended to reduce the risk of injuries. The first recommendation is to prepare in advance and define the nearest and safest protected space that should be reached during a siren. The ministry also recommends practicing the route to the protected space to ensure that it can be reached quickly and safely, both in the evening hours and in changing lighting conditions.
The Ministry of Health also recommends clearing obstacles from the path to the protected space inside the home and in its surroundings. Objects such as chairs, small rugs, electrical cables, flowerpots and unnecessary objects may cause tripping or slipping during rapid movement. The ministry even recommends removing rugs that are not fixed to the floor.
Lighting plays a central role in preventing falls. Therefore it is recommended to leave a light on along the way to the protected space or consider installing night lighting or motion sensors in corridors and stairwells.
The Ministry of Health reminds that the first alert given before the siren allows people to begin preparing and move closer to the protected space even before the siren itself is heard. This period of time makes it possible to reach the protected space in a calmer and safer manner.
Upon receiving the early alert, the ministry recommends putting on supportive shoes, wearing glasses and hearing aids and beginning to move toward the protected space if the path to it is relatively long. It is also recommended to wear closed shoes with a non-slip sole and avoid as much as possible flip-flops, open house slippers or walking with socks only.
People who use mobility aids such as a walking stick, walker or wheelchair are asked to ensure that these aids are within reach and ready for immediate use. Vision and hearing aids are also very important, since impairment of vision or hearing ability may increase the risk of falls.
In the case of descending stairs it is recommended to hold the handrail, go down carefully and avoid carrying objects at the same time. The Ministry of Health also suggests preparing in advance a small bag containing a mobile phone and items required for staying in the protected space.
It is also recommended to prepare the protected space itself in advance and ensure that it contains a comfortable chair with armrests for safe standing up, a small table, regular medications as needed, drinks and a small amount of food. For people who have difficulty standing up, the ministry recommends avoiding sitting on the floor as much as possible.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that when the siren is heard one must reach the protected space quickly, but while maintaining caution and avoiding running or walking on a wet or slippery floor.
At the same time, the Ministry of Health is also appealing to the public and families and asking them to maintain contact with elderly family members and neighbors and check whether they need assistance reaching the protected space. Even during the stay in the protected space it is recommended to make sure that the elderly neighbor arrived safely and check whether he needs help.
Dr. Itay Gal is a specialist in pediatrics, a sports and aviation physician and a researcher of infectious diseases. The health correspondent and medical commentator of Maariv and a lecturer in the fields of medicine and innovation.