ARAFAT: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) is making use of the latest mobile medical technology to better help sick pilgrims as quickly as possible during this year’s Hajj season.
“Motorbikes are equipped with the most advanced equipment and supplies, with all the medications a rapid-response task might require,” said Rayan Kassar, a member of the authority’s rapid response motorcycle team.
Each motorcycle is driven by an emergency medicine technician (EMT), who is accompanied by a medical specialist chosen depending on the nature of the reported emergency.
The SRCA, he said, provides the motorbikes and their crews to help people who are ill or injured in places that are difficult for larger vehicles to reach when a quick response is vital.
“We have some 15 motorbikes and we use them in the central area of the Grand Mosque and in the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat, where ambulances find it difficult to reach an injured person or a patient who is in need of help from us in a very short time,” Kassar said.
Rayan Kassar of the SRCA's rapid response motorcycle team. (AN photo)
He added that the motorbikes were ready to respond in five different parts of Mount Arafat on Monday. When the pilgrims move to the Grand Mosque, Muzdalifah and Mina, the bikes are available to help them in those locations.
“When the pilgrims were in the Grand Mosque two days ago, we attended some cases that required us to move at the highest possible speed,” Kassar said. “Arriving at the scene, we found most of the pilgrims were either too tired to move or just had sunstroke.”
In addition to the motorcycle units, 15 other vehicles are available when required, including tactical emergency medical services (EMS) and hazardous materials incident vehicles.
Hussein Nafi’e, the supervisor of the SRCA center at the holy sites, said it is necessary to be prepared constantly to respond to medical emergencies with the latest medical technology and equipment that can save lives.
“We haven’t yet used these vehicles but we are ready to swiftly intervene, if need be,” he said. “In fact, this service is part of our preparation to enhance our services.”
