Israel’s emergency medical service on standby amid retaliation threats

Israel’s national emergency medical service has been stocking blood and preparing to treat the wounded amid threats of retaliation for the killing of Hamas’ political leader in Iran. Officials said a command office has been set up three floors underground, where personnel are on standby to respond immediately if retaliation occurs.

In addition to the 370 emergency vehicles deployed nationwide, about 700 vehicles were ready to be dispatched on Wednesday. The organization has purchased 500 new vehicles, including ambulances, since the fighting between Israel and Hamas began in October last year.

 A spokesperson said that the national emergency medical service is on a very high level of alert in the face of possible attacks from Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Iran. An official from a division responsible for preparing blood for transfusions said they had more than 10,000 units ready and have set up a system to secure 5,000 more units a day.