Community
Women in the driving seat at Hatzola HBS
Traditionally, Hatzola first responders have predominantly been male
November 10, 2025 14:09
Traditionally, Hatzola first responders have predominantly been male
November 10, 2025 14:09Women now make up more than 40 per cent of emergency responders at a north London branch of Hatzola.
Hatzola HBS – which serves the communities of Barnet, Cockfosters, Hadley Wood, Southgate, Totteridge & Whetstone – is supported by female emergency medical responders, as well as women volunteers in dispatch and administrative roles.
Traditionally, Hatzola – a volunteer-led and non-profit emergency service that provides rapid pre-hospital care – has been predominately run by male responders, with some citing the organisation’s Orthodox Jewish roots, religious needs, heavy lifting requirements and physical demands.
But Hatzola HBS has had women on the frontline since its July launch – with women now making up 43 per cent of its emergency responders.
“It's not a different philosophy but a pragmatic way of getting things done,” said Mike Singer, co-director of Hatzola HBS. “We operate under the religious authority of the Dayanim of the London Beth Din. The use of a wider pool of responders is necessary in our area in order to get the numbers of responders we need so that we can save lives. We welcome new volunteers who want to make a difference.”
He said that the branch had been set up by the local community and that, like other units, Hatzola HBS was independent in terms of its structure and services, “although the basic philosophy of reducing suffering and saving life within a Jewish ethical framework is shared”.
Hatzola launched its first UK branch in Stamford Hill in 1979, before expanding across the UK from London to Hertfordshire, Manchester and beyond. The service works closely with local hospitals and national emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police, supporting people with minor injuries to major trauma or cardiac arrest.
Over the past year, the organisation has responded to thousands of calls across the UK, including 6,245 calls to Hatzola Northwest and 6,000 to Hatzola Manchester – supporting people from within and outside of the Jewish community.
hatzolahbs.com
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