Sheba Medical Center Leads Large-Scale Earthquake Emergency Preparedness Drill

The drill focused on the rapid deployment and full operation of a field hospital under challenging conditions, carried out in close collaboration with Ziv Medical Center in Safed and under the direction of the Ministry of Health.

The drill brought together physicians, nurses, paramedical professionals, logistics teams, administrative staff, and advanced technological units. Together, they simulated the establishment and operation of a fully functional medical facility designed to support existing hospitals and maintain continuity of care during a large-scale emergency.

“The drill enables us to fulfill one of the basic objectives of Sheba Medical Center’s Field Hospital, reinforcing other hospitals and maintaining functional continuity in the event of a disaster,” said Dr. Shachar Shapira, Medical Director of the Field Hospital.

System-Wide Coordination and Preparedness

The drill reflected Sheba’s ongoing commitment to preparedness, coordination, and innovation in emergency healthcare delivery, both locally and globally. It tested the integration of clinical care, command and control, logistics, digital health infrastructure, and organizational collaboration, while maintaining high professional and safety standards throughout.

A structured operational timeline guided the drill. Preparations began on December 16, 2025, at Sheba Medical Center with equipment consolidation, followed by loading, transportation, on-site unloading, infrastructure setup, and systems integration. By December 21, the Field Hospital reached full readiness, including department setup, IT installation, and system testing. The main exercise took place on December 23 and was observed by senior officials from Sheba, Ziv Medical Center, the Ministry of Health, foreign ambassadors, and Israel’s Prime Minister.

Clinical and Staffing Framework

The drill included a carefully planned clinical and staffing model designed to reflect real-world constraints. Physicians were deployed according to defined medical needs, under the direction of medical and facility leaders. Gynecological services were provided by a single specialist operating without a delivery room, with the ability to expand staffing if additional functional units such as operating rooms, intensive care, isolation, or extended hospitalization were activated.

The nursing department included 11 nurses, many with extensive experience in emergency and trauma care. The nursing team provided full operational coverage, including overnight stays, ensuring continuity of care throughout the exercise. Preparatory work began on December 21, with selected nurses assisting in equipment organization and readiness prior to deployment.

Paramedical, administrative, and support teams managed patient registration, admissions and discharge, command operations, pharmacy services, laboratory functions, and imaging, including X-ray and ultrasound. Dedicated professional liaisons were appointed in each department to support precise planning and effective execution.

Technology, Safety, and Operational Excellence

The Field Hospital operated using Sheba’s electronic medical record system, enabling real-time documentation across triage, emergency care, inpatient wards, command units, laboratory, and imaging. Laboratory services functioned as a standalone unit, producing simulated results to support clinical workflows without performing actual tests. No medications were administered during the exercise; pharmaceutical supplies were used solely for demonstration and training purposes.

This drill underscores Sheba Medical Center’s leadership in emergency preparedness and disaster response. Through rigorous training, advanced systems, and close collaboration with health partners, Sheba continues to strengthen its ability to support health systems during large-scale emergencies and share expertise at both national and global levels.