Drama at a mall in central Israel: 12-year-old collapses, his heart resumes beating

A 12-year-old boy collapsed in a store at the Ayalon Mall, lost consciousness, and was found without a pulse or breathing. A MDA volunteer arrived within about two minutes, performed CPR, and delivered two shocks with a defibrillator. His heart resumed beating, he regained consciousness, and was evacuated to Schneider Children's Hospital in stable condition.

A 12-year-old boy collapsed today (Thursday) in a store at the Ayalon Mall in central Israel, lost consciousness, and was found without a pulse or breathing. MDA volunteer and emergency medical technician Meir Azulai arrived at the store within about two minutes, immediately began CPR, and delivered two electric shocks to the boy using a defibrillator he carried. Afterwards, the boy's heart resumed beating, and he gradually regained consciousness. A mobile intensive care unit team that arrived at the scene continued treatment and evacuated him to Schneider Children's Hospital in Petah Tikva in stable and conscious condition. MDA paramedic Shay Pinchas said the boy was in a confused state and they administered medication. At this stage, the cause of his sudden collapse has not been reported, and he is expected to undergo medical tests to clarify the circumstances of the incident. MDA noted that the volunteer's rapid arrival and immediate use of the defibrillator were significant factors in saving his life.