The Saudi Red Crescent in Mecca responds to 122,000 emergency calls
During the first quarter of 2026, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Makkah responded to approximately 122,186 emergency calls, as part of its ongoing field efforts to provide highly efficient emergency medical services and enhance rapid response to critical cases across the region's various governorates. These figures underscore the leading role and significant responsibility the Authority bears in safeguarding the well-being of citizens, residents, and visitors to the Holy Mosque.
Details of the distribution of emergency calls at the Saudi Red Crescent in Mecca
The authority's statistical report indicated that the Holy City of Mecca recorded the highest number of emergency calls (61,868), followed by Jeddah with 46,949, and Taif with 13,369. These statistics highlight the exceptional field efforts undertaken to address the high population density and continuous traffic flow in the region around the clock.
Air ambulance and rapid intervention to rescue critical cases
In support of emergency cases requiring rapid medical intervention, the air ambulance service demonstrated high efficiency by responding to 92 emergency calls, distributed as follows: 44 calls in Mecca, 34 in Jeddah, and 14 in Taif. Specialized medical teams also handled 221 cases of heart attacks and 234 cases of strokes, contributing to expedited specialized medical procedures and increasing patients' chances of survival.
The historical and humanitarian dimension of ambulance services in the holy sites
The history of ambulance services in the Makkah region is intertwined with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's blessed mission of caring for the Two Holy Mosques and ensuring the safety of their visitors. Since the establishment of the Saudi Red Crescent Society and its development into a leading organization, the ambulance system has witnessed tremendous technological and organizational leaps. From relying on traditional methods in the past, the organization has transitioned to employing the latest digital technologies, air ambulances, and smart crowd management systems, making it a global model for managing emergency health crises.
The local and regional impact of strengthening the ambulance system
The impact of these emergency relief efforts extends far beyond the local level, having a significant regional and international impact. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ability to manage millions of pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah seasons and provide immediate medical care with this level of professionalism reinforces its position as a global leader in public health and emergency management. This effective integration between the government, private, and non-profit sectors contributes to achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to improve the quality of life and facilitate the hosting of pilgrims.
In conclusion, the Authority called on members of the community to cooperate with ambulance teams and give way to ambulances to ensure their rapid arrival to emergency cases, and urged everyone to take the initiative to request ambulance service when needed by calling the unified number (997) or using the “Isafni” application, stressing its commitment to continue developing the ambulance work system to meet the aspirations of the wise leadership.
