A qualitative leap in the ambulance system during the Hajj season
During his participation in the Health and Security in Hajj Forum, Dr. Jalal Al-Owaisi, President of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, affirmed that the ambulance system during this year's Hajj season witnessed an unprecedented qualitative leap in response speed and decision-making efficiency. This leap relies on an advanced operational system that analyzes data and population density, enabling the deployment of ambulance teams according to precise criteria that ensure the timely and highly efficient provision of medical care.
Historical context and digital transformation in serving the pilgrims
Historically, since its founding, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on the health and safety of pilgrims, dedicating all its resources to ensuring the smooth and easy performance of the Hajj rituals. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030 and the "Serving the Guests of God" program, the pace of digital transformation in the health sector has accelerated. The role of the Saudi Red Crescent is no longer limited to traditional ambulance transport; it has evolved into a comprehensive smart system that relies on modern technologies for managing medical crowds. This reflects the Kingdom's commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare services to pilgrims and developing the infrastructure for emergency and mass gathering medicine.
Crisis management: 90 seconds to transfer the report
Dr. Al-Owaisi explained that during the peak season, specifically on the 9th and 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the authority handles an immense pressure of nearly 10,000 calls daily. The most significant achievement is converting these calls into emergency medical alerts within a record time of no more than 90 seconds. He pointed out that this speed not only reflects the efficiency of the call reception but also highlights the quality of decision-making before dispatching field teams. The selection of the appropriate ambulance team is not done randomly, but rather through an analysis of geographical locations, a study of the shortest and fastest routes, and an analysis of traffic density and traffic patterns within the holy sites.
Innovative means of transport: from scooters to “Rafida” vehicles
To ensure rapid response in densely populated environments, Al-Awaisi pointed to the variety of response methods available, depending on the location and population density. These methods range from using ambulance scooters in crowded areas to helicopter air transport for critical cases requiring immediate intervention. He also revealed the introduction of new transportation methods this year, most notably the electric "Rufayda" vehicle, named after the esteemed companion of the Prophet, Rufayda al-Aslamiya, the first nurse in Islamic history. These vehicles will operate with high agility within crowds, providing over 250 electric wheelchairs to facilitate the safe and rapid transport of patients and the elderly.
Proactive response and global impact
At both the regional and international levels, the “proactive response” model developed by the Saudi Red Crescent over the past three years has become a global benchmark in mass gathering medicine. This mechanism relies on data analysis and predicting locations most susceptible to health incidents, enabling the pre-positioning of medical teams before injuries occur. Furthermore, ambulance services begin as soon as the call is received by providing telephone-based medical guidance, thus minimizing the likelihood of health deterioration. This development solidifies the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in managing large crowds and provides a model to be emulated in emergency and health crisis management.
