The Wish Ambulance is a Magen David Adom project, whose purpose is to fulfill the wishes of terminally ill patients. Making use of the services of a specially equipped ambulance and a caring team of medical volunteers, the patients are taken on their request to places which have a particular meaning to them. The project is an opportunity to improve the well-being of patients in addition to the medical treatment they receive in the hospital or hospice. The idea at the core of the project is to allow individuals who know their remaining days on earth are limited to realize a cherished dream that can be accomplished in a day (and dependent on his/her mobility.) Making this wish come true is facilitated by a specially equipped ambulance complete with a wheelchair and medical team which has undergone prior training. The ambulance enables patients who have lost their mobility to take part in family celebrations, spend time in spots of natural beauty, visit places of nostalgic significance, attend cultural events (for example, the Philharmonic Orchestra has declared it will be happy to respond to requests for classical music), and visit with relatives or friends likewise immobilized, just to name a few. Many of the patients feel helpless and long to reconnect with society; it’s vital to give them the possibility to achieve an important and meaningful triumph over disability. This service is offered to all patients free of charge, regardless of race, religion or nationality, and with a warm and heartfelt embrace. Our Mission Fulfilling wishes in this way lifts the spirits of terminally ill and immobilized patients at a most difficult time for them and brings some light and excitement into their lives; it affords patients precious moments of joy which are so important in their final days. The concept is based on the activities of a similar organization in Holland, whose efforts were met with resounding success. MDA has allocated a new ambulance to the project, equipped with innovative technology and all necessary conveniences to suit each individual patient; it has also trained a professional medical crew composed of workers and volunteers to escort the patient. The ambulance ride itself is meticulously programmed and is coordinated with the doctor in charge of the patient. |