A comprehensive plan to ensure safety during the holy month
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the Al-Baha region announced it has raised its preparedness level to the highest degree in anticipation of the holy month of Ramadan. This includes activating a comprehensive operational plan aimed at ensuring the provision of optimal ambulance services to citizens, residents, and visitors. The plan involves activating 16 ambulance centers and deploying 20 field teams working around the clock to enhance geographical coverage and rapid response to emergencies during Ramadan, a month characterized by changes in lifestyles and increased gatherings.
Details of the Ramadan operational plan
The operational plan of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Al-Baha includes the operation of 16 ambulance centers strategically distributed throughout the region's governorates. These centers are supported by a field force of 18 to 20 ambulance teams equipped with the latest medical equipment, in addition to four advanced (rapid) response teams specializing in handling critical cases requiring urgent medical intervention. The plan is designed to focus on peak times of increased traffic and gatherings, such as before Iftar (the breaking of the fast), after Taraweeh prayers, and in markets and public places, with the aim of minimizing response times and improving the quality of service provided.
General context and role of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority was established as a national humanitarian society providing emergency medical care throughout the Kingdom and is an integral part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Authority operates according to universal humanitarian principles derived from the teachings of Islam. Over the decades, the Authority has demonstrated its high level of competence in crowd management and providing ambulance services during major religious seasons such as Hajj and Ramadan, when millions flock to perform Umrah. This plan in Al-Baha is part of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at providing a safe and healthy environment in all regions of the Kingdom during this blessed period.
The importance of preparations in the Al-Baha region and their impact
These preparations are particularly important in the Al-Baha region due to its diverse geography, which combines towering mountains and deep valleys, potentially posing a challenge to the access of ambulance teams. The region also experiences an increase in social activities and family gatherings during Ramadan, in addition to the influx of visitors drawn to its pleasant climate. Enhancing emergency medical preparedness not only contributes to saving lives in the event of accidents or medical emergencies, but also strengthens the sense of security among residents and visitors, indirectly supporting the tourism sector. At the national level, these efforts reflect the Kingdom's commitment to providing the highest standards of safety and healthcare for its citizens and visitors.
The role of volunteers and integration with relevant authorities
Alongside official ambulance teams, volunteer teams play a vital role in the Ramadan plan. A deployment plan for male and female volunteers has been activated in areas with high population density, such as major mosques and markets. These volunteers support the ambulance teams, provide first aid for minor injuries, and raise health awareness among community members about how to handle emergencies. Coordination with all other government response partners, such as Civil Defense, the police, and health sectors, has also been strengthened through the Command and Control Center to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
The Red Crescent Authority calls on everyone to cooperate with the ambulance teams and adhere to health and safety guidelines, and to take the initiative to request ambulance services immediately when needed by calling the unified number (997) or using the “Isafni” smart application, which allows for accurate location determination and speeds up the arrival of assistance.
