Magen David Adom’s New Mobile Command Center

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Magen David Adom (MDA), an Israeli emergency medical service, added a new, advanced mobile command center to its fleet of rescue vehicles. The new command center will be used during large-scale rescue operations, when national emergencies cause communication infrastructure failures.

The new, advanced command center is based on a Dutch DAF truck. It was built in England according to MDA specifications, and includes unique cameras, communication systems, remote control systems, a debrief room and an external strategic command post.

MDA CEO Eli Bin said yesterday: “We’re responsible for saving lives during national disasters. The new command center is the most advanced center for disaster management. It will work even when all other computer, cellular and telephone infrastructure fail. We’ll be able to save lives, and fulfill our mission, without pause.”

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

It took four years of planning and building to complete the mobile command center. Its design is based on lessons learned by the MDA during the Carmel fire disaster, when rescue personnel were faced with malfunctioning communications and an inability to contact other first responders.

The new truck is 16 meters long and 4 meters high. It weighs 32 tons. The command center includes a generator and a 900 liter fuel tank. The special cameras can rise to a height of 19 meters, covering wide areas. All MDA centers are connected to the new command center through wireless communication systems.

The Old Train Station compound in Tel Aviv hosted an MDA vehicle exhibition yesterday, presenting the vehicles used by paramedics to reach casualties and give much needed medical aid. The vehicles included a “jeepbulance”, a T3 Segway and a Chevrolet Suburban. The latter is a special rescue vehicle modified for harsh terrain conditions.