ERG is a weeklong program designed to familiarize administrators and healthcare professionals with Western Galilee Hospital's emergency preparedness procedures. 

 ERG is CME accredited.  ERG participants in 2008 received 33 Level 1 CME credits.

Course by Israeli experts includes

*Lectures        *On-site instruction with IDF medical units  
*Hands-on workshops       *Scripted mini mass-casualty drill with actor-patient
*Functional time, paired with their Israeli colleagues in specialty units/departments

Participants may 

*bring posters    * demonstrate surgical techniques
*present grand rounds   *give specialty workshops or lectures
*extend their stay in Israel

Evenings vary from home hospitality to a festive dinner and free time. 
 
Western Galilee Hospital-Nahariya is

The only hospital in northwestern Israel; WGH serves 500,000 people. 

700-bed general hospital with 60 departments and specialty units. 

Front-line hospital that rapidly transforms into an emergency medical facility with decontamination areas, 8 secure operating rooms, 450 underground beds. 

A model of professional and personal relationships fostering trust and respect, WGH professional staff reflects the diverse population of Jews, Christians, Muslims and Druze distinctive to the Western Galilee.

A unique destination for numerous visiting groups, both lay and medical professional.

What experience does WGH bring to the course? 

Having experienced rocket and shell fire since the early 1970s, the hospital responded by creating a unique physical plant that protects patients and staff, permitting uninterrupted activity even while under fire and non-conventional warfare.  After years of training and preparation with the Israel Defense

Forces to hone techniques for receiving and treating patients in an MCE, the hospital was put to the test during the summer of 2006. 

In the course of the Second War in Lebanon, WGH received the largest number of military and civilian casualties of any hospital in Israel, while continuing to function as a communal health facility.  
This will be the ninth consecutive ERG course given by the Western Galilee Hospital.

Contact:

Michèle Boukai    MBoukai@JFGI.org             tel. 317-475-4274, 317-726-5450 x1529

Machla Shaffer     machlas@ujannj.org            tel. 201-820-3907, 201-820-3900 x235

Judith Jochnowitz udith.Jochnowitz@naharia.health.gov.il     tel. +972-4-910-7501

In a natural disaster, accident, or attack the medical community must be prepared.

Western Galilee Hospital, targeted during 34 days of war, remained fully functional even while under fire!