Securing the emergency route for pilgrims on the Hijrah Road | Saudi Arabia News

Launch of the plan to secure the emergency route for pilgrims

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the Madinah region intensified its field and operational efforts during the period of pilgrims traveling from Madinah to Makkah. These efforts are part of the operational plan for this year's Hajj season (1447 AH), with the highest level of preparedness implemented to secure the ambulance route for pilgrims along the Al-Hijrah Expressway, which experiences extremely high traffic volume during the peak travel period. These preparations aim to ensure the safety of the pilgrims and provide them with urgent medical care in record time.

The historical and religious significance of the Prophet's migration route

The Hijra Road, which connects Mecca and Medina, holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, as it represents the historical route taken by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his migration. Over the decades, the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has dedicated significant attention to developing this strategic route, transforming it from a rugged desert path into one of the most modern highways, equipped with the highest international safety standards. Today, this road serves not only as a vital transportation artery but also as a key hub for providing top-tier logistical and healthcare services, making the provision of emergency medical services for pilgrims along its route a top priority to ensure a safe and comfortable spiritual journey for millions of visitors.

An integrated system to serve the guests of God

The Director General of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority branch in Madinah, Ahmed bin Ali Al-Zahrani, explained that the crowd management plan begins at the Miqat Dhu Al-Hulayfah Mosque, one of the main assembly and departure points for pilgrims. In this context, emergency medical readiness has been enhanced through the deployment of 16 advanced ambulance units, comprising 14 field teams and two rapid intervention teams. Additionally, three specialized vehicles named "Uhud," "Sanad," and "Tuwaiq" have been provided. Sixty paramedics are working around the clock to operate this system, aiming to improve response times and efficiency in handling all emergencies that pilgrims may encounter.

The local and international impact of successful healthcare during Hajj

The efforts made to secure emergency medical services for pilgrims are not limited to the local level, but extend to a broad regional and international impact. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's success in managing these millions of pilgrims and providing exceptional healthcare reflects to the world the immense organizational capabilities of Saudi personnel. These achievements also embody the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leader in the Islamic world and a global role model in crisis management and mass gathering medicine.

Field coverage and air ambulance support

Al-Zahrani explained that field coverage along the Hajj route was meticulously distributed across 11 ambulance launch points, including 7 fixed points operating around the clock and 3 additional deployment points activated during peak times to meet the increased demand resulting from the influx of pilgrims. He emphasized the complete readiness of the air ambulance service to support crowd management operations, transport critical cases, and provide advanced emergency medical care when needed. These tremendous efforts are part of the Authority's commitment to the unified national Hajj plan and its dedication to utilizing all available human resources and advanced equipment to provide the highest levels of service, healthcare, and emergency medical care to the pilgrims during their spiritual journey to the holy sites.