The Red Crescent's plan in the city for Ramadan 1447: 1500 volunteers to serve visitors

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the Madinah region announced its full readiness to receive the holy month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH, through the launch of an exceptional operational plan aimed at providing the finest ambulance and medical services to visitors of the Prophet’s Mosque and those heading to the city of the Chosen One, may the best prayers and peace be upon him.

Full mobilization to serve the guests of God

This plan is part of the extensive preparations undertaken annually by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims and visitors during the holy month. This year's plan is of particular importance given the expected influx of millions of pilgrims to Madinah, necessitating heightened preparedness and a rapid response to any health emergencies, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to facilitate the hosting of visitors to the Two Holy Mosques and provide high-quality services.

Details of human and mechanical forces

The Director General of the Authority's branch in the Madinah region, Dr. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Zahrani, explained that the plan, which has been implemented and will continue until the sixth of Shawwal, is based on an integrated system of logistical and human resources services. The plan includes the operation of 10 vital operational sectors covering all axes and roads leading to the Prophet's Mosque, in addition to highways and city entrances.

The authority has bolstered its fleet with 97 advanced ambulance units, ranging from:

• 70 ambulances equipped with the latest medical technologies.
• 15 electric golf carts designed for flexible movement within crowded areas and courtyards surrounding the sanctuary.
• 12 rapid intervention teams rely on motorcycles and electric bikes to break up crowd density and reach critical cases as quickly as possible.
• Specialized vehicles for responding to disasters and multiple injuries, with air ambulances remaining on high alert.

An army of volunteers to serve visitors

Believing in the importance of volunteer work as a fundamental pillar of humanitarian services, the Authority revealed that the operational force of the plan is not limited to the official employees, numbering 472 employees from specialized medical and administrative staff, but is supported by an army of male and female volunteers, numbering up to 1,500 volunteers.

These volunteers have undergone intensive qualification and training programs to deal with field cases, and they will be deployed in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, its internal corridors, and major mosques such as Quba Mosque and Miqat, to provide first aid and field support around the clock.

Scenarios for dealing with peak times

The authority confirmed that the plan takes into account all possible scenarios, with a particular focus on peak times when crowds are high. Efforts and field deployment will be intensified during Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers, the last ten nights of Ramadan, the 27th night, and the night of the Quran's completion.

The plan also extends to securing the Eid al-Fitr prayer and organizing the movement of visitors in the Prophet’s Mosque, reflecting the Authority’s keenness to provide a comprehensive health safety umbrella befitting the guests of God, and ensuring that they perform their rituals and worship in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.