Air ambulance rescues injured people in the Nafoud Al-Nabqiyah desert in Al-Qassim
On Saturday, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority branch in the Qassim region responded to an urgent report of a vehicle accident in the sand dunes of Nafoud Al-Nabqiyah, east of Buraidah. Upon receiving the report, the command and control center mobilized its teams, dispatching ground ambulances and simultaneously launching an air ambulance to the accident site to ensure rapid arrival and the provision of necessary medical care in record time.
Details of the air and ground rescue operation
Given the challenging terrain of the site, characterized by soft sand and hills that could impede the movement of conventional vehicles, and the presence of large numbers of hikers in the area, a combined air ambulance and ground team intervention was deemed essential. Advanced medical teams successfully reached the injured, conducted initial triage, and provided emergency medical services at the scene to stabilize patients before transport.
The Director General of the Authority's branch in the Qassim region, Khalid bin Saleh Al-Khadar, explained that the accident resulted in injuries to two people, classified as moderately serious. One of the injured was transported by air ambulance, while the other was transported by ground teams. The teams proceeded directly to Buraydah Central Hospital for further treatment, in full coordination with the relevant security and health authorities, in accordance with approved emergency protocols.
The importance of air ambulance services in desert regions
This rapid intervention highlights the strategic importance of air ambulance services in Saudi Arabia, particularly in rugged terrain and remote desert areas. This service is a cornerstone of the modern emergency medical services system, effectively reducing response times (the "golden hour"), a crucial factor in saving lives and minimizing complications from serious injuries resulting from traffic accidents or sudden medical emergencies in remote locations.
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority is continuously working to expand the scope of air ambulance coverage to include various regions of the Kingdom, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to improve the quality of life, raise the efficiency of health services, and ensure the safety of citizens, residents and visitors at home and while traveling.
Warnings and guidelines for hikers
In a related context, the authority reiterated its call to all citizens, residents, and off-road enthusiasts to exercise extreme caution. It emphasized the importance of adhering to the instructions of the relevant authorities, especially during periods of unstable weather and rainfall, which can increase the risks of driving in sandy areas (Al-Nafud). The authority stressed the importance of being prepared and immediately requesting assistance when needed by calling the unified emergency number (997) or through the "Is'afni" (Rescue Me) application available on smartphones, which allows for highly accurate location tracking to facilitate the arrival of rescue teams.
