المملكة: Dialogue| Assistant Director of the Red Crescent in Medina told Al-Youm: The response time for an ambulance in the Prophet’s Mosque was 56 seconds

Assistant General Manager Saudi Red Crescent Authority branch in the Medina region for ambulance operations, Omar Hashim Niaz, said that the authority works within an integrated system aimed at protecting lives and enhancing the safety of visitors and pilgrims, through high field readiness, rapid ambulance response, and operational plans based on an accurate reading of crowd movement and human densities, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

He explained in an exclusive interview with “Al-Youm” that the operational plan for Ramadan is 1447 AH focused on reducing response time to the minimum possible, and enhancing positioning within The Prophet’s Mosqueand the central area, where some cases recorded a response time of only 56 seconds, an indicator that reflects the efficiency of advance planning, the readiness of emergency teams, and integration with the relevant authorities.
And to the text of the dialogue..

It undertakes The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the Medina region plays a pivotal role in the emergency health services system, as it represents the first line of defense for emergency cases within the city, especially in the Prophet’s Mosque and its surrounding central areas, which witness a high human density throughout the day.
The Authority’s tasks include providing urgent emergency care, dealing with critical cases, responding quickly to reports, and supporting health facilities when needed, in addition to participating in medical crowd management, to ensure the safety of visitors and the smooth flow of movement. Within vital sites.
During the seasons and the holy month of Ramadan, operational effort doubles as a result of the significant increase in the numbers of visitors and pilgrims, which requires raising field readiness, increasing the operational capacity of ambulance units, and deploying teams according to well-thought-out deployment plans that ensure quick and safe access for everyone who needs the service.

What is the main goal of the operational plan launched by the Red Crescent for the Ramadan 1447 AH season?
The main goal of the plan is to achieve comprehensive, high-quality ambulance coverage, ensuring rapid response and effectiveness of medical intervention, commensurate with the specificity of place and time during the holy month.
The plan is based on supporting the field with full human and technical capabilities, by providing qualified paramedics, advanced medical equipment, and modern mechanisms, in addition to enhancing integration with the private sector. And the third sector, which contributes to increasing the capacity and achieving the sustainability of the ambulance service around the clock.

How do you ensure the speed of response to emergency cases in the Prophet’s Mosque and its surrounding areas?

The speed of response depends on the concept of proactive positioning, whereby the ambulance presence is intensified at strategic points within the Prophet’s Mosque and its courtyards, in addition to high-density locations in the central area, especially at peak times.
This approach aims to reduce arrival time to the lowest possible level, in order to achieve early medical intervention and improve the chances of rescuing critical cases.
For example, I have worked on the effectiveness of this method. Praise be to God, the Red Crescent teams were able to handle some cases in less than a minute, including the case of a Pakistani pilgrim in his sixties who was suffering from a heart attack inside the Prophet’s Mosque. The response time was only 56 seconds, which contributed to the rapid intervention and saving of his life.
The average response time in the central region is about two minutes, which is an indicator that reflects the efficiency of planning and the readiness of the field teams.

How were the operational sectors and ambulance units distributed to cover Medina during Ramadan?

Medina was operationally divided into 10 ambulance sectors, ensuring a balanced distribution of service and comprehensive coverage of all neighborhoods and vital sites.
The Prophet’s Mosque sector and the immigration sector are considered among the most prominent of these sectors due to the high human density in them, as emergency units are distributed based on reports analysis studies and crowd movement, to ensure continuous field readiness And effective response at various times.

What is the importance of rapid intervention teams, bicycles, and mobile vehicles in dealing with crowds?

Rapid intervention teams, ambulance bicycles, and mobile vehicles are an essential element in the operational plan, due to their ability to quickly reach cases within crowded locations that may hinder the movement of traditional ambulances.
These teams contribute to starting first aid immediately at the case site, and reducing the intervention time, until the medical procedure is completed or the case is transferred when needed.

How many cadres are participating in implementing the plan, and how is work organized among them during the holy month?

97 emergency units are participating in implementing the plan, staffed by more than 474 qualified paramedics, in addition to more than 1,500 volunteers throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
Work is organized through precise operational schedules based on shifts, with cadres distributed according to peak times, ensuring operational readiness. And continuity of service 24 hours a day.

What role do volunteers play in supporting ambulance services during Ramadan?

Volunteers represent a supportive pillar of the ambulance system, as they participate in field support, organizational support, health awareness, and help manage crowds inside high-density sites.
Volunteers undergo training and qualification programs that ensure the integration of their roles with official ambulance teams, in accordance with approved regulations and protocols.

How does the mechanism of ambulance work differ during peak times, such as Tarawih and Tahajjud?

At peak times, operational readiness is raised to its highest levels, by increasing the number of field teams and concentration points inside the Prophet’s Mosque and its courtyards, and activating flexible deployment plans that are managed in real time from operating rooms, ensuring the speed of directing teams to emergency situations.

What are the most prominent special preparations for nights of high intensity, such as the night of the 27th and Eid prayer?

These nights witness special operational plans that include doubling emergency coverage, increasing concentration points within the sanctuary and the central area, raising the readiness of medical personnel and equipment, in addition to strengthening coordination with the relevant authorities to achieve the highest levels of safety.

What is the final word that you would like to add to visitors and visitors to Medina during the month of Ramadan?

We assure visitors to Medina that their safety is our top priority, and that emergency teams are ready around the clock to serve them. We call on everyone to adhere to health and regulatory guidelines, and not to hesitate to ask for help when needed.