Long-time Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedic Yitzhak Bendahan delivered his own baby daughter inside an ambulance on the way to the hospital on Monday, MDA announced.
Bendahan’s wife, Yael, was in advanced labor as they rushed to the hospital in the MDA responder ambulance that Bendahan keeps at his home for rapid emergency response in his Beit Shemesh community.
As the drive progressed, Yael’s contractions became stronger and closer together. Despite their hopes, the Bendahans realized that there would not be enough time to reach the hospital before the baby arrived.
Bendahan safely parked the ambulance along the side of the road and quickly delivered a healthy baby girl. The Bendahans did not know whether they were having a boy or a girl, making the already meaningful delivery all the more exciting.
MDA paramedics see a lot, but nothing like this
“As an MDA paramedic, I’ve delivered quite a few babies over the years, but I’d never experienced anything like this,” said Bendahan, who responds to medical emergencies across the Jerusalem region. “I simply did what I know how to do.”
“Beyond the joy of the birth itself, having the privilege of delivering my own daughter with my own hands is a moment I’ll never forget.”