Hello,

My name is Adam.

This last summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer as a first responder with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Ramallah, Palestine. I spent time with dedicated EMTs, paramedics, nurses, doctors and volunteers responding to various calls throughout the region, who put the lives of others above their own at every given moment.

In my time volunteering, I noticed a lack of medical equipment on the ambulances that resulted in poor patient outcomes. The difficult circumstances in which the PCRS ambulance crews work also makes responding to calls and assisting the sick and wounded very difficult.

With recent escalations taking place throughout the entirety of the West Bank, I’ve decided to start this GoFundMe to purchase medical equipment that will be directly sent to the PCRS headquarters in Ramallah, to equip their ambulances.

While working with the PCRS, I got to know a number of EMTs & leads, who let me know what they were in most dire need of. Our communications continued upon my return to the US, where we worked together to come up with a list of the most essential & most needed items.

The funds collected will be used to purchase:

LUCAS 2: Automatic CPR Machine

Cost: Approximately $12,000 - $16,000 (refurbished)

Purpose: CPR is a physically demanding, lifesaving procedure. The LUCAS 2 device automates chest compressions, freeing up EMTs to provide additional care. During my time volunteering, I had to perform CPR while waiting at checkpoints which led to significant delays and tragically, patient deaths. The LUCAS 2 can help mitigate these delays by maintaining continuous, high-quality CPR, allowing EMTs to focus on other critical interventions. Especially in situations where access to hospitals is delayed due to roadblocks.

LifePak 15 or ZOLL: Portable ECG/Vitals Monitor

Cost: (Varies with parts: AED pads, wiring, case, etc. Currently looking for supplier)

Purpose: PCRS crews frequently find themselves far from their ambulances due to road destruction, debris, and roadblocks. This portable monitor allows for on-the-spot vitals and ECG monitoring, and can perform cardioversion if needed. For instance, I once attended to a patient in Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT). We picked her up from a clinic to transport to a hospital; however, without a portable ECG, we were unable to monitor her heart, and her condition deteriorated rapidly. Although medications exist for such cases, local regulations prevent EMTs from carrying them, and when SVT is unstable, medications alone are insufficient. A portable ECG device would have allowed for timely cardioversion.

Accuvein: Vein Finder

Cost: Approximately $1,200

Purpose: Initiating IV therapy can be challenging, especially with patients who have difficult to find veins. On the same call mentioned above, we struggled to establish an IV line as her blood pressure began dropping, delaying crucial treatment. The Accuvein device increases visibility of veins, allowing faster IV initiation.

Various Sized EMT Jump Bags

Cost: Approximately $25 - $130

Purpose: Proper equipment organization is important for efficiency in emergency situations. PCRS ambulances are currently equipped with rigid plastic containers, which are inconvenient and lack compartments for essential items like oxygen tanks. With appropriately sized jump bags, EMTs can better organize their equipment for quick access and easy portability. Smaller fanny pack style bags will also be purchased which will allow crew members to carry essential critical items.

Adult and Pediatric SpO2 Monitors

Cost: Approximately $30 each

Purpose: Portable SpO2 monitors that clip onto the finger without wiring are more practical in the field, especially during transport or when performing CPR. They allow for continuous monitoring of oxygen levels and heart rate without the risk of wires getting caught or disconnected.

Electronic Stethoscope

Cost: Approximately $400

Purpose: Accurate assessment of heart and lung sounds is critical in patient care. Traditional stethoscopes can be difficult to use in noisy environments such as clashes or when driving on bumpy roads. An electronic stethoscope amplifies these sounds, enabling EMTs to make more accurate assessments in difficult conditions. It also has a simple ECG reading built in for quick and rapid assessments.

EMS Clothing: Shirts, Pants, and Boots

Cost: Varies

Purpose: Durable clothing is essential for EMTs working in harsh terrains. Providing proper attire, including shirts, pants, and boots, can help protect PCRS members from injury and allow them to perform their duties safe and effectively.

Funds will be collected and purchases will be made depending on PCRS request, and availability of items. I plan on purchasing items from various vendors in the U.S. and then shipping them to the West Bank. Shipping will be covered by the donated proceeds. I will provide updates on any purchases and will be as transparent as I can during this process. If you would like to donate any of the items listed above, please reach out to me for more information.

Thank you for your contributions.

Palestinian Red Crescent Society Statement (Instagram Link)