Traffic Police Assist IDF Combat Veteran Experiencing Panic Attack on Highway 1
Traffic police officers on Highway 1 aided an IDF combat veteran suffering a severe panic attack and flashback, using grounding techniques and driving him safely to a trauma center.
A traffic incident on Highway 1 highlights the ongoing struggles faced by many IDF combat veterans since October 7. Golan, a former soldier who fought in Rafah, was driving to the Retorno resilience farm in Beit Shemesh when he experienced a combat flashback and a severe panic attack. He pulled over onto the shoulder, trembling, sweating, and disoriented, unable to continue driving.
Traffic police officers Superintendent Naftali Chazi and Sergeant Kim Toledano of the Yehuda branch noticed his vehicle. Approaching the car, they spotted an awareness sticker for a combat trauma initiative, realizing the driver may be experiencing war-related distress.
At Golan's request, the officers turned off their patrol car's flashing lights, which were exacerbating his anxiety. Toledano sat beside him on the ground at the roadside, using grounding techniques to help him focus on the present moment. She asked for his permission before placing a supportive hand on his back and offered him water.
After about 20 minutes, the panic attack began to subside, but Golan was still trembling and unable to drive. The officers offered to drive him to his destination: Toledano drove his personal vehicle, while Chazi escorted them in the patrol car until they safely reached the combat trauma club at the farm.
Sharing his experience afterward, Golan praised the life-saving nature of the awareness sticker and commended the officers' exceptional empathy and professionalism during a critical moment of vulnerability.
