The concept of a PALMAR, a combat medical extraction unit which I serve in, is a far cry from the popular image of field hospitals portrayed in American TV series such as M*A*S*H (MASH is an anacronym for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, and it was very appropriate for American military at that time in history in both Korea and Vietnam).

In Israel, by contrast, where speed and efficiency are paramount, we serve as the medical cavalry, ready to respond swiftly to the needs of our wounded soldiers. Working in tandem with the elite Air Force Search and Rescue Unit 669, we provide rapid medical response and evacuation for our troops in the field.

When a soldier is injured in Gaza or Lebanon, we are on standby, waiting to swoop in and provide life-saving care. Whether it’s an individual soldier or a mass casualty event, our unit springs into action, triaging the wounded and providing critical medical care. The arrival of our PALMAR unit infuses hope and relief in the troops, amidst chaos and conflict. Standing on the front lines, we are ready to face whatever........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)