Saudi Red Crescent efforts during Ramadan: 69,000 emergency calls
An exceptional response from the Saudi Red Crescent to serve the pilgrims
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority achieved a remarkable feat during the Umrah season in the holy month of Ramadan, with its ambulance teams responding to 69,784 emergency calls in both Mecca and Medina. This tremendous effort is part of a sophisticated, integrated system that brings together healthcare providers from both the private and non-profit sectors, directly contributing to enhanced emergency response efficiency and the provision of advanced ambulance services befitting the pilgrims and ensuring their safety throughout their stay in the holy lands.
A long history of healthcare during religious seasons
These achievements were not a sudden occurrence, but rather the culmination of a long history of dedication and care. Since the establishment of the National Charitable Ambulance Society in 1353 AH (1934 CE), which later evolved into the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed serving pilgrims and Umrah performers at the forefront of its priorities. Over the decades, the Kingdom's ambulance system has witnessed radical developments, from the use of traditional ambulances to the deployment of the latest medical technologies and air ambulance services, reflecting the wise leadership's commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for the millions of Muslims who flock annually to perform the rituals.
Health integration enhances field readiness
In a related context, the Authority commended the efforts of all health entities participating in the emergency medical services system at the Two Holy Mosques. It emphasized that this effective integration contributed to enhancing the field readiness of ambulance teams and expedited responses to various emergencies within the Two Holy Mosques and the surrounding central areas. These exceptional efforts involved the broad participation of 17 health authorities, along with numerous health and charitable organizations that provided invaluable logistical and field support.
Providing qualified medical personnel to handle emergency cases
To ensure the best possible care, the Authority explained that this joint cooperation contributed to supporting ambulance teams in the field by providing highly qualified medical personnel and operating support centers and clinics at critical locations. These efforts also included active participation in providing immediate healthcare within densely populated areas, reflecting the advanced level of coordination among various health sectors to serve the pilgrims. The Authority commended the outstanding and exemplary role of the medical, ambulance, and volunteer staff who worked with high efficiency and unparalleled dedication throughout the holy month.
The regional and international impact of the success of the ambulance system
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority's success in managing this massive volume of emergency calls has far-reaching implications, extending beyond the local level to encompass significant regional and international dimensions. Locally, this success reinforces the confidence of citizens and visitors in the efficiency of the Saudi healthcare system and its capacity to protect lives. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom presents the world with a model to emulate in the field of "mass gathering medicine" and the management of health crises in large crowds. The Authority affirmed that this successful model of integration among healthcare sectors can be leveraged and implemented across the Kingdom, contributing to the continuous development of the ambulance service system and enhancing preparedness to address any future challenges.
