In a world often divided by politics, religion, and race, it’s heartwarming to witness the power of unity and compassion transcending borders. At Hadassah Medical Center, two exceptional individuals, Dr. Waseem Mujahed and Olga Davidson, embody this spirit. Their friendship, born amidst the complex backdrop of Jewish and Arabic heritage, has bridged the divide and serves as a beacon of hope and cooperation, driven by a shared passion for saving lives.
Genesis of Global Pulse – Jerusalem 2022
The story begins in November 2022 during the Young Hadassah Without Borders conference in Jerusalem. Amidst discussions on projects that could change lives, Dr. Waseem Mujahed, Senior Physician at the Emergency Medicine at the Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem posed a profound question to the group, “Does anyone here know how to provide basic life support?” It was a question that struck a chord, revealing a critical gap in global knowledge. Olga Davidson, midwife at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus and nurse with expertise in this area, understood the significance immediately. The seed for the Global Pulse initiative was planted right there – an endeavor to equip people worldwide with life-saving skills.
A Journey to New York – June 2023
Over the ensuing months, the Global Pulse team collaborated tirelessly across multiple time zones, crafting training materials and strategies to raise awareness. Their goal: to ensure that every Young Hadassah member gathered in New York for the 2023 conference would be prepared to respond in emergencies. The “Becoming First Responders” Training held in Brooklyn was a resounding success, instilling confidence in attendees to provide assistance in times of need.
A Mid-Air Medical Emergency
This journey took an unexpected turn during a long flight home. Olga and Waseem, seated a few rows apart, found themselves amidst chaos when a fellow passenger fell seriously ill. Without hesitation, they sprang into action. Olga caught the woman as she collapsed, and Waseem swiftly took control of the situation, laying her in the aisle. Olga, with her medical expertise, confirmed a weak pulse and critical vitals – a situation demanding urgent intervention.
Waseem’s instincts took over, requesting essential medical equipment from the cabin crew, including an AED and oxygen. With the patient’s legs elevated, they stabilized her condition as much as possible. Throughout the ordeal, fellow passengers marveled at the skill and expertise of the Hadassah team, including the on-call doctor in New York who agreed that they did not need an emergency landing due to Waseem being present on the flight.
Monitoring the patient’s condition throughout the flight, they witnessed a remarkable transformation. She gradually improved, and by the end of the journey, she hardly remembered the terrifying incident. The captain personally thanked Olga and Waseem, emphasizing that their actions averted an emergency landing, saving valuable time and resources.
A few weeks later, a heartfelt thank-you note arrived from the patient, a testament to the impact Olga and Waseem had on her life. Their actions exemplified the essence of the Global Pulse initiative, a project born in Jerusalem and honed through dedication and collaboration in New York.
For members of Young Hadassah Without Borders, Olga and Waseem’s experience validates the need for the invaluable skill of basic life support. It also encapsulates the essence of Hadassah’s mission – saving lives, transcending boundaries, and fostering hope.