In recent days, a large-scale drill simulating a complex toxicological incident was held at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, testing teams’ readiness for hazardous material exposure and patient evacuation.
The exercise was conducted as part of emergency preparedness efforts amid the war with Iran, simulating a mass casualty incident (MCI). Simulated patients were evacuated to the emergency department ambulance bay, where dedicated decontamination stations were deployed to reduce risks to both patients and medical staff.
The drill was carried out in cooperation with the Home Front Command and the Ministry of Health, as part of nationwide readiness for unusual scenarios during Operation “Roaring Lion”. The focus was on rapid response, coordination between teams, and maintaining continuity of care under complex conditions.
How do hospitals handle hazardous material exposure in Jerusalem?
During the drill, protected teams carried out decontamination procedures using dedicated washing systems. The goal is to remove hazardous substances from the body and reduce the risk of further harm to both patients and staff.
The exercise included rapid deployment of decontamination stations, full protective gear, and coordination between medical and logistical teams.
How are hospitals preparing for toxicological events during wartime?
The drill is part of ongoing preparedness for complex emergency scenarios during a period of heightened security tensions, with a focus on ensuring full operational readiness.
Director General of Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Prof. Ofer Merin: “We are committed to preparing for every possible scenario in light of the ongoing uncertainty and continued fighting. Just as we established an emergency hospital within 24 hours, now treating hundreds of patients and expanding it as needed, we continue to train for all possible events so that in any situation, Shaare Zedek will be ready to provide the best possible care”.
Deputy Director of Nursing and Head of Emergency Preparedness at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Sarah Goldberg: “For more than two weeks, our teams at Shaare Zedek have been working with dedication and resilience, often under challenging uncertainty, to ensure every patient receives the best possible care. As part of this, we continuously prepare for different emergency scenarios. Today’s drill reflects the commitment of all Shaare Zedek staff to be ready and to tell patients – we are here for you, no matter the situation”.
תרגיל רחב היקף לניהול אירוע במרכז הרפואי שערי צדק
— jerusalem online (@Jlmonline) March 19, 2026
(צילום: המרכז הרפואי שערי צדק) pic.twitter.com/bMsSxrEhoP
