Options / Search & Rescue - Olivia Goldsmith and Leora Bauer

Day 1

At last, after a week-long stay with the whole year at Kfar Ha’Roeh, we parted ways and set out on our journey on the Search and Rescue option. We decided on this option in hope that we would learn lifelong skills and connect with other peers. It’s safe to say this was achieved.

Despite the early hesitancy and confusion that lingered within us all, we hopped straight off the bus and ran to check out the picturesque Mediterranean Sea. An array of snacks and pastries enticed the group as well as the friendly Magen madrichm and their partners in crime 🐶.

Our training began with a captivating presentation on how to deal with earthquakes and the different types of building structures that the disaster teams have to search through. We all found this to be a real insight into the world of search and rescue and the importance it plays in society, especially in Israel.

The day continued with practical training. We made our way to the training field which was composed of the ruins of collapsed buildings. Our instructor taught us about all the tools one may have to use during a rescue mission. The tools ranged from a mallet, saw and jacks to a jackhammer. Everyone was eager to put their new skills to the test. We entered the field and utilised all the tools to cut through cement, wood and wire.

After a long hard day of training the group made their way to the hotel with a much needed pit stop at Aroma cafe.

Day 2

The next day we started the day with a welcoming hotel buffet filled with classic Israeli dishes like pancakes and maple syrup. We were all very impressed and appreciative.

To kick off Monday's training, a man from Magen David Adom taught us simple but essential first aid training, particularly suited for search and rescue missions. He covered the whole body, learning how to bandage up wounds, treat broken limbs, attend to spinal and neck injuries as well as practicing CPR on a dummy with the assistance of a defibrillator.

Later, we were shown a moving video of the IDF search and rescue unit helping out in the devastations of the Nepal 2015 earthquake. We quickly noticed the people in the video were our very own Magen madrichm. Our respect continued to grow for the search and rescue unit and the film gave us a visual idea of the missions completed by search and rescue teams.

Afterwards we headed back to the ruins site and were given the opportunity to use fire fighting equipment like a fire extinguisher and, we were able to use a fire blanket on a burning dummy. To our surprise the equipment was easy to use and extinguished the fire instantly.

Finally, we were exposed to the depths of a crashed building. With our helmets tightly fitted and our gloves glued on, we were set. Underneath tonnes of pavement, brick and wood, lay household materials buried in a collection of dirt and dust. Everyone ceased the opportunity and dove straight in, several heads collided but it was totally worth it. The site demonstrated the true insanity and dangers that are presented when dealing with search and rescue missions, especially the unknown of how many humans can lay inside. An overall sense of shock radiated, regarding the servicemen and women that put their body on the line everyday.

Before ending day 2 of training, the group was given the opportunity to ride on the company’s very own zip line. We geared up and worked together to give the next person in line a push.

After a long and engaging day of learning new skills and information we were treated to an “Italian“ dinner. Pizzas and pastas were passed around the table whilst discussions of the tremendous work the professionals undertake.

On return to the hotel, the group gathered by the fire pit and enjoyed roasted marshmallows. It was great to get to know some other people in our year and bond with them around the fire. We were able to openly talk about some of the graphic imagery of the mission shown earlier in the day.

Day 3

By the third day of training, it was our turn to put the newly learnt skills to work. A quick fake scenario briefing by our Magen madrich and we were at work. The details consisted of a five story building that had collapsed in the middle of the night and there were twenty bodies needed to be found. We got into teams and started the search. Slowly, one by one, the victims' bodies were found in the depths of the building. We quickly had to create a plan to rescue them. After much discussion we grabbed our tools and got to work; carving and moving the cement to create pathways to remove the victims on stretchers.

During our mission we received a visit from the K-9 unit. IDF soldiers brought their companions and explained to us how essential the dogs were in the search and rescue unit. The dogs were specially trained to find people using breath sounds. One of us hid within the ruins and we all watched in amaze as the K-9 quickly went through the site and was able to locate the person.

After completing our mission and successfully rescuing all victims we summed up our training. Everyone was awarded with a search and rescue certificate and a Magen t-shirt which we all wear with pride.

The search and rescue option was a totally new experience for us and was rather challenging at times. Overall, we learnt a lot and were able to immerse ourselves in each moment and test thrown at us. It was truly a once in a lifetime learning journey and I would advise any future IST participant to make the most of the opportunity. The most memorable part of the 3 day training was when the IDF’s K-9 unit showed us a part of their duty.

We are both so grateful for this opportunity us and our peers were given and it will stick with us forever