The Red Crescent raises its readiness level for Riyadh rains: 134 ambulance teams

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the Riyadh region announced it has raised its alert level to maximum readiness at all its ambulance centers in response to reports regarding the expected rainfall and weather fluctuations in the region. This swift action is in line with the Authority's pre-established strategic plans for dealing with rainy seasons and flash floods, ensuring the continued provision of highly efficient ambulance services under all weather conditions.

Field reinforcements and advanced equipment

As part of its operational plan for this situation, the Authority confirmed the full readiness of all field points and the deployment of ambulance teams to cover vital locations. The Authority allocated a substantial workforce and equipment, including 134 ambulance teams equipped with the latest medical technologies, supported by 17 rapid response teams to handle emergencies during critical times. In addition, the “Tuwaiq Bus,” a specialized vehicle designed for command, field control, and disaster management, was deployed, reflecting the significant development of the Saudi ambulance infrastructure and its capacity for crisis management.

The context of crisis management and the importance of preparedness

These preparations are particularly important given the climate changes that could lead to heavy rainfall and flash floods in some valleys and ravines in the Riyadh region. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority operates within an integrated national safety system, coordinating its efforts directly with the Civil Defense, the National Center for Meteorology, and security and traffic authorities. This joint coordination aims to reduce response times to reports, especially traffic accidents, which may increase in frequency due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, thus enhancing the protection of lives and property.

Safety guidelines and community awareness

In its statement, the authority emphasized the vital role of public awareness in such circumstances, urging all citizens and residents to strictly adhere to the safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities. The warnings included:

• Avoid approaching flood channels, water collection areas, and swamps.
• Stay away from lampposts and exposed electrical wires during rainfall.
• Adherence to traffic safety rules and driving with extreme caution.
• Make way for ambulances and emergency vehicles to ensure they reach the injured as quickly as possible.

Emergency communication channels

The authority confirmed that its operations rooms are working around the clock to receive reports via the unified emergency number 997. It also encouraged the public to utilize the digital solutions provided by the Kingdom, such as the “Is’afni” (Rescue Me) application, the “Tawakkalna” (Trust) application, and the “Absher” application, which allow for precise location tracking and immediate assistance requests, thus facilitating the rapid and accurate arrival of ambulance teams to those in need.