Interim summary of the IDF "Olive Branches" delegation mission in Turkey
Over the past week, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) "Olive Branches" delegation has been operating at the epicenter of the earthquakes in Turkey. The rescue team rescued alive 19 people trapped under the rubble, and began providing medical aid to the injured in the field hospital established in the city of Kahramanmaras.
People rescued from under the earthquake's rubble:
- 08.02.23, the first day of the rescue mission: 8 people
- 09.02.23, the second day of the rescue mission: 9 people
- 10.02.23, the third day of the rescue mission: 2 people
Composition of the IDF delegation
The IDF delegation is led by the Home Front Command and the Medical Corps. The rescue team includes about 150 people and the medical team includes 250 people.
The medical staff includes 140 doctors and nurses, a pharmacist, an X-ray technician, a laboratory technician, paramedics, and medical logistics personnel. The medical aid delegation is commanded by the deputy chief medical officer, Col. Dr. Tomer Kolar.
A group of 16 personnel from the Home Front Command is providing assistance in setting up technological infrastructure for the rescue mission. A satellite communication kit on a military Hummer was set up providing digital assistance and a communication network for the forces in the field.
Medical Equipment
The medical delegation brought to Turkey 7 tons of medical equipment designated for operating rooms, sorting, reception and intensive care, along with 10 tons of additional medical equipment that include the following:
- Thousands of underwear units (socks, underwear, and towels).
- Intensive care beds, surgery and reception, and equipment for imaging, laboratory, women's, children's, and orthopedics departments.
- Thousands of items of medicine, medical equipment, dressings, and various instruments alongside a variety of medical kits.
The delegation flew to Turkey on a Boeing 707. The equipment was transported by C-130 Hercules, and C-130J Super Hercules planes.
Rescue of 9-year-old Ridban alive after about 120 hours under the rubble.
Opening of the field hospital of the "Olive Branches" mission in Turkey.
Uploading of equipment onto Hercules aircraft.
Credits
The text presented here is based on information available on the Hebrew website of the IDF.