Octogenarian Israeli EMT has saved thousands of lives, doesn't plan to retire

Alex Michigan's career started by chance more than 50 years ago, and while his wife pleads with him to take his foot off the gas, once his phone lights up, he leaves everything behind and rushes to save yet another life
Israel Moskovitz|
For decades, Alex Michigan's family and friends have become used to the sight of him getting a phone call during either family events or dinner, grabbing his helmet and medical kit, and storming out on his scooter to save yet another Israeli's life.
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  • The 80-year-old Magen David Adom EMT from Tiberias is a father of four and a grandfather of 12, but he doesn't plan to retire from emergency service anytime soon.
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    אלכס מיצ'יגן
    אלכס מיצ'יגן
    Alex Michigan
    (Photo: Avihu Shapira)
    "I'm on-call 24 hours a day and seven days a week, my whole life is around responding to Magen David Adom calls," Michigan says. "When I'm called, I leave everything I do and rush to the scene."
    "This career started by chance. In 1971, there was a shooting from Jordan to Tiberias. I was in the area and I immediately started to treat the wounded. The Magen David Adom chief in Tiberias was impressed by my resourcefulness and actions, so he recruited me, and ever since, I've been an EMT."
    When asked for how much longer will he continue responding to emergencies, Michigan hinted: "My grandmother died at 103."
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    זירת האירוע בפלמחים
    זירת האירוע בפלמחים
    Magen David Adom scooters
    (Photo: Magen David Adom)
    "My wife asked me to retire, but I have saved thousands, and I intend to continue," he added.
    Magen David Adom Director General Eli Bin says "Alex is an example of endless giving and he saves lives around the clock."
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