SHMEEL

“My mistake – I’m Sorry,” I shouted into the cellphone, which was precariously wedged between my ear and the helmet. “You should be,” came the unsympathetic response from my colleague in the UNITED headquarters. “We nearly had the Blues on your tail,” he added for good measure. “I apologize – it won’t happen again,” I replied, this time less meek,…

“You’d best go home, Sarah.” “You have several days, a week at the most – I’m so sorry.” He was wrong. Although they couldn’t have known that, as they staggered, husband and wife, towards the parking lot of Hadassah Hospital.   The sun was setting and the Jerusalem sky was ablaze with a multitude of colors.…

I smell smoke. I’m on the corner of a busy intersection next to an outdoor mall, and I definitely smell smoke. Most people would continue about their day. Not so a member of the emergency services. We always need to know who, what, where, when, why and how. Not so much in order to save…

The door of number 15 is slightly ajar, and as I approach I smell the aroma of freshly baked bread. Control often tells people to leave the door open, so that we have an easier time finding the right apartment. I knock, announce my arrival, wait a few seconds, and walk inside. The foyer is…

I was at a fire the other day and the firefighters did a wonderful job; as they always do. Fast, dedicated, professional, brave, strong, courageous, daring – and that was just the EMS response. The Fire crews were even better. BUT Judging by their tanned faces, healthy demeanor, positive attitude and well-built physique, something tells…

“Who is it?” The door opened slowly, deliberately, and in the doorway was a well-kept lady in her seventies. “Who is it?” she asked again, this time with urgency. And yet, with humility. She was looking directly at me. I was wearing my neon orange vest, and in my hand, a bright red EMT bag.…