Dozens of Daycare Children Brought to Safety at Hadassah Hospitals

After a devastating incident at an overcrowded, unlicensed daycare center in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Romema on January 19, in which two babies died, 43 babies and toddlers were evacuated to and treated at Hadassah hospitals, with 25 at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus and 18 at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem.

The infants were hospitalized overnight for observation. They were in mild, stable condition and fully conscious and were released. Three remained hospitalized with winter illnesses unrelated to the incident. Sadly, one infant passed away.

“Upon learning of the incident and its characteristics and the magnitude of the number of casualties, a mass casualty incident was declared at Hadassah hospitals,” said Prof. Yoram Weiss, director general of the Hadassah Medical Organization. “Specialists in pediatrics, emergency medicine, toxicology, respiratory medicine and intensive care quickly arrived at the trauma units to assist. At Hadassah Ein Kerem, the pressure chamber unit team and the CMO unit team were placed on full alert in case of need.”

Prof. Weiss continued, “The professional and rapid response by the teams allowed for rapid diagnosis and initial treatment for all babies and toddlers. Throughout the day, the social service team at both Hadassah hospitals provided support and guidance to the toddlers and their parents, assisted in connecting parents with children, and provided a full response to their needs. They were joined by various staff members and national servicewomen, who wrapped the babies in lots of warmth and soothed and caressed them until the families arrived.”

Orly Shalom, a respiratory therapist at Hadassah Ein Kerem, was urgently called to the trauma unit. She and her fellow respiratory-care-team members prepared ventilation stations in case infants needed respiratory support.

“After we had prepared the stations and equipment, it became clear that ventilation was not required,” said Shalom. “I offered to help with the first babies who were evacuated to the trauma unit. I was handed a sweet 1-year-old, and I focused mainly on calming him: holding and comforting him so he could feel safe and at ease. I did not leave his side until his parents arrived. He calmed down in my arms, and I played soothing music for him, allowing the medical team to examine him gently. When his grandfather arrived, I placed the baby in his arms, and he even began to eat. I hope we will not face more mass-casualty events like this, but I feel deeply grateful for the privilege of being able to help and provide comfort.”