Saudi Red Crescent Implements Medical Pathways To Improve Survival Rates In Makkah Region

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Makkah Region is advancing emergency medical pathways for heart attacks, strokes, and severe injuries. These initiatives aim to boost survival rates, reduce complications, and improve emergency care by swiftly transferring patients to specialised centres.

A key component is the STEMI pathway for heart attack victims. This allows direct transfer to a cardiac catheterisation centre after an ECG evaluation on-site confirms the diagnosis. This process bypasses emergency departments, enabling immediate treatment within minutes. For stroke cases, paramedics use the FAST-ED scale to assess symptoms on-site. Patients are then taken directly to CT scan departments in designated hospitals for quick intervention.

The trauma pathway is designed for critical injuries from incidents like traffic accidents or falls. Patients are transported directly to high-efficiency referral hospitals without delay, following approved protocols for serious trauma cases. This approach ensures rapid handling of such emergencies.

These pathways have significantly reduced the time needed to reach specialised treatment centres. They have also increased recovery rates while lowering disability and mortality rates. Enhanced coordination between emergency teams and healthcare facilities ensures optimal responses to urgent cases.

Public Cooperation and Reporting

The authority encourages the public to report symptoms of heart attacks, strokes, or severe injuries immediately through the unified number (997) or the ASAFNE app. It advises against using private means for patient transport and stresses the importance of giving way to ambulances for timely medical service delivery.

By implementing these pathways, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority aims to provide efficient emergency medical services and improve outcomes for patients experiencing critical health events.

With inputs from SPA