Amazing: United Hatzalah launches Israel's first Psychotrauma dog training program to support victims in crisis

Last Tuesday, an emotional ceremony at the organization’s national headquarters in Jerusalem celebrated the culmination of a year-long program that trained both dogs and their handlers to offer vital emotional assistance in the wake of emergencies.

The newly launched Psychotrauma Canine Unit will operate 24/7 on a voluntary basis, offering immediate psychological support to those affected by disasters and critical incidents. The trained dogs are specially selected for their ability to provide comfort and emotional relief to people experiencing extreme stress, helping to reduce anxiety and accelerate recovery during the most challenging times.

In this groundbreaking program, which is the first of its kind in Israel, ten dogs and their handlers participated, undergoing extensive training in a variety of emergency scenarios. The dogs were exposed to crowded spaces, mass casualty simulations, and were trained to assist wounded individuals both at the scene and within ambulances. This specialized training ensures that the dogs can effectively function in high-pressure environments while providing a calming presence to those in need.

Professor Ehud Davidson, CEO of United Hatzalah, expressed the significance of the program, stating, “We are proud to be pioneers in deploying psychotrauma dogs in disaster scenes. These dogs are an integral part of our aid system, helping alleviate suffering and facilitating faster, more professional recovery. Their ability to offer immediate psychological support and reduce anxiety in critical situations is vital to our work.”

Eli Pollak, Deputy CEO of United Hatzalah, further emphasized the importance of the new unit, highlighting that it brings a personalized and immediate approach to psychological assistance at disaster scenes. "The dogs, along with their expert handlers—who are trauma social work professionals and psychotrauma dog specialists—offer not only emotional support but also a sense of security and hope for those facing the most traumatic events,” Pollak said.

This innovative unit marks a new chapter in disaster response, and United Hatzalah is committed to further professionalizing and expanding this unique initiative, with the aim of eventually replicating it worldwide to assist in psychological recovery after traumatic incidents.