The Red Crescent in Qassim raises its readiness to the maximum level in anticipation of the rainy weather
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority branch in the Qassim region announced that it has raised its field and operational readiness to the highest level in response to reports and warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology, which indicated expectations of heavy rainfall and weather fluctuations that may affect several governorates in the region. This swift action comes within the framework of the proactive plans adopted by the Authority to ensure the safety of lives and property and enhance its ability to deal with various emergencies that may result from severe weather conditions.
Activating emergency plans around the clock
In a statement regarding these preparations, the Director General of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority branch in the Qassim region, Khalid bin Saleh Al-Khadher, confirmed that the Authority has activated all readiness and preparedness plans across all ambulance sectors in the region. He noted that the operational efficiency of the Command, Control, and Medical Dispatch Center has been increased, enabling it to operate at full capacity to monitor the evolving weather conditions around the clock. These measures aim to ensure the precise and rapid deployment of ambulance teams according to the highest approved operational standards, thereby reducing response times and enabling paramedics to reach emergency locations as quickly as possible to provide necessary medical care.
Integration between entities and the history of crisis management
This step comes within a broader context of cooperation and integration among government agencies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to manage crises and natural disasters. The Qassim region, like other regions of the Kingdom, experiences certain weather fluctuations during specific seasons, requiring concerted efforts between the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, the Civil Defense, and other security and health agencies. The Authority's strategy relies on a wealth of accumulated experience from dealing with previous rainy seasons, deploying ambulance teams to critical points and locations expected to experience a high volume of calls or traffic congestion, to ensure comprehensive and effective coverage.
The importance of community awareness and digital services
In addition to field preparations, the Authority emphasized the vital role of community awareness in such circumstances. It urged all citizens and residents to exercise caution, stay away from floodplains and valleys, and fully comply with the instructions and guidelines issued by the relevant authorities. The Authority also highlighted the importance of utilizing the advanced digital services it provides, stressing the need for immediate contact when emergency services are required via the unified emergency number (997), or through the “Is’afni” (Rescue Me) application available on smartphones. This application allows for highly accurate location determination and facilitates access to those in need, reflecting the technological advancements in the Kingdom’s emergency medical services sector.
