Former prime minister Naftali Bennett, on his way to a slain soldier's funeral, stopped to assist an injured driver on Wednesday.
Bennett noted that the driver was lying on the side of the road with no sign of emergency services approaching.
On his way to Ashkelon to attend the funeral of Sgt. Shahar Manoav, who was killed alongside six other IDF soldiers in an incident in Khan Yunis. Bennett noticed the crash close to the entrance to the city.
Bennett stopped his car, took the first aid kit from his trunk, and went to assist the injured driver with his security.
The injured person had sustained a serious head injury. Emergency responder reports indicate that the individual was partially conscious but bleeding heavily, requiring immediate attention. Bennett and his security guard applied bandages to the man's head and waited for Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics.
Witnesses at the scene said that Bennett was very calm in the high-pressure situation.
“He acted with complete calm, as if returning to his days as a soldier in the field. It was impressive.”
Symptoms of head injuries
Head injuries, even those that seem minor, can be life-threatening due to the risk of brain damage, internal bleeding, or spinal injuries. Such injuries can occur from car accidents, falls, sports, or objects striking the head. In some cases, damage may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time.
Signs of a dangerous head injury include confusion, vomiting, loss of consciousness, severe headaches, blurry vision, difficulty speaking, or loss of consciousness. Even if the person seems fine initially— a phenomenon known as the "lucid window"—their condition can deteriorate rapidly.
How to take care of a person with a head injury
The first and most important step is to move the injured person away from any immediate danger, but only if you move them safely. Then, call MDA's 101 hotline. Make sure to place the phone on speaker and provide clear details: your location, the person's level of consciousness, visible injuries, and your name. Answer all questions from the dispatcher so they can guide you on what to do next.
If the injured person loses consciousness and is unresponsive, begin CPR immediately. Perform chest compressions at least 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, while calling for help.
If the person is conscious, avoid moving their head or neck to prevent a spinal injury. Keep them calm, apply pressure to stop any visible bleeding, and wait for professional medical assistance.
Once at the hospital, the injured person will undergo an initial evaluation, typically including a CT scan to check for bleeding, swelling, or fractures. In some cases, surgery may be needed to drain blood or relieve pressure on the brain. Those with severe injuries will be moved to a neurological intensive care unit for ongoing monitoring.
Beyond physical harm, head trauma can lead to long-term cognitive or functional impairments, such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or even coma. After the person is medically stabilized, the next step often involves extensive rehabilitation, supported by doctors, physiotherapists, speech therapists, and psychologists.