Launch of the second phase of the school paramedic program in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Ministry of Education has launched the second phase of its School Paramedic Program, targeting 15 educational districts across the Kingdom. This initiative reflects the Ministry's commitment to training administrative and teaching staff in basic first aid skills, aiming to save lives and create a safe and sustainable school environment. The program's implementation plan extends until mid-2028.

The strategic context for developing healthcare in schools

Historically, Saudi Arabia has always sought to integrate healthcare into the educational environment, a trend that has been significantly strengthened with the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, which places quality of life and citizen health at the heart of its objectives. Schools have never been isolated from healthcare developments, with strategic partnerships between the Ministry of Education and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority having begun years ago to establish a culture of rapid response. This vital preventative approach is an extension of previous decisions aimed at providing direct ambulance services within schools, by integrating the school community into specialized national initiatives such as the “Ambassador of Life” program.

The mechanism of the school paramedic program and staff training

The field action plan for the School Paramedic Program on training central trainers in various education departments. These trainers must hold an official and accredited training license for the program issued by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority. These experts will provide the necessary support during the training of members of the school community, thus strengthening the system of prevention against various health risks. This expansion phase aims to empower the school system to foster a healthy and fulfilling life by equipping the teaching and administrative staff with the essential first aid knowledge and skills that make a real difference in critical moments, ensuring rapid medical response and professional handling to protect students' lives.

Expected impact of the initiative locally and regionally

The significance of this event extends far beyond school walls, having a profound impact on the wider community. Locally, the training of thousands of teachers and administrators contributes to creating a health safety net that extends to every neighborhood and city, reducing complications from emergencies and increasing life-saving rates before the arrival of specialized medical teams. Regionally, the Kingdom is setting a leading example in the Middle East by integrating first aid as an integral part of the education system, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in school health and crisis management. The sustainability of first aid provision is a cornerstone of the comprehensive school health strategy.

Geographical spread map for the second phase

The Ministry of Education revealed that the second phase of the project covers education departments in key regions, including Riyadh, the Eastern Province, Asir, Jeddah, and Makkah. The strategic training program also extends to administrative and teaching staff in Madinah, Jazan, Qassim, Al-Ahsa, Taif, and Tabuk. The project's school deployment map concludes with the inclusion of Hail, Al-Jawf, Najran, and the Northern Borders region, ensuring comprehensive emergency care across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.