In New York Hatzolah has been trying to avoid allowing female volunteers to join the organization. In Israel they are finally embracing the idea.

The Deputy Director of Hatzala, according to a report on ladaat, said on the radio that they are in the process of establishing a womens division, called NeSHaMaH (NaSHot Mitnadvei Hatzala). They say they already have 1700 female volunteers lined up for training.

From the brief statement it sounds, to me, like these women won't actually go out on ambulances, shifts and calls. It sounds more like they will be available if needed, to help their husbands (that was mentioned) in an incident or to help neighbors. Maybe if a woman is giving birth they would bring her along for the delivery.. This might be wrong, but that's what it sounds like to me.

Anyway, it's a good start.