Madinah Red Crescent Handles Over 123,000 Emergencies In 2024 With Enhanced Response Strategies

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority's Madinah branch handled over 123,000 emergency calls in 2024, as reported by its Emergency Medical Dispatch Center. Ambulance teams attended to 90,913 patients, with 56,862 needing hospital transport for further treatment. On-site care was provided to 34,046 individuals. The air ambulance service also played a vital role, assisting 256 critically ill patients, highlighting the authority's dedication to urgent care.

In addition to emergency responses, the Madinah branch focused on training and community outreach. In 2024, they conducted 959 training courses and lectures, reaching 154,947 people. These initiatives aimed to increase public awareness of first aid and emergency preparedness. Volunteerism also grew significantly, with over 28,600 volunteers contributing a total of 14,189,129 service hours.

The authority achieved a notable milestone by activating rapid response pathways for 836 patients experiencing heart attacks or strokes. This achievement underscores the ambulance teams' efficiency and expertise in managing time-sensitive medical emergencies. The authority highlighted that all operations were carried out by highly trained medical personnel using advanced equipment in modern ambulances.

The economic value of volunteer efforts was estimated to exceed SAR110.4 million, showcasing their significant societal impact. The authority also surpassed its response time targets by 110%, demonstrating the speed and effectiveness of its emergency response system.

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority encourages the public to use the 997 emergency hotline or the "Asefne" mobile app for ambulance assistance. The app's precise location tracking capabilities help expedite emergency response times.

"The air ambulance service also played a crucial role," stated an official from the authority, emphasizing their commitment to providing urgent care in challenging circumstances.

"This underscores the efficiency and expertise of the ambulance teams in handling time-sensitive medical emergencies," another official added regarding the activation of rapid response pathways for heart attack or stroke patients.

The authority's efforts in training and community outreach have been instrumental in promoting public awareness about first aid and emergency preparedness. Their focus on volunteerism has not only enhanced their capacity but also contributed significantly to society.

With inputs from SPA