Hatzolah should be called for any medical emergency, 24/7, including on Shabbos, Yom Tov, and Yom Kippur. If you are unsure if Hatzolah should be called, make the call.

Below are some examples of medical emergencies for which Hatzolah should be called.

  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Fainting/Loss of Consciousness
  • Cardiac Emergencies
  • Choking
  • Diabetic Emergencies
  • Emergency Childbirth                                                          
  • Allergic Reactions                                                                
  • Change in Normal Mental Status
  • Stroke Symptoms
  • Burns
  • Trauma (amputations, lacerations, etc.)
  • OB-GYN Emergencies
  • Poisoning/Overdose
  • Missing Persons
  • Seizures
  • Slips/Falls
  • Fractures/Dislocations 
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fires (after calling the Fire Dept., and only if there are injuries)
  • Car Accidents (after calling the Police Dept. & only if there are injuries)

There seems to be a tendency on shabbos or yom tov to search for a Hatzolah member that they are familiar with by going to their home, shul, or calling them directly on the phone, for something that they feel may not be an emergency on shabbos or yom tov.  This can result in significant delays in obtaining help and SHOULD NOT BE DONE.  It can literally be responsible for costing a patient their life.  The typical individual has no training to determine what may be a sign or a symptom of a true emergency.  Calling the Hatzolah emergency number is the most proper course of action both halachically and medically.

Hatzolah does not provide pre-arranged non-emergency transports. Hatzolah will, however, assist you in arranging such a transport.