The Saudi Red Crescent: A pivotal role in saving lives and responding to crises
On the occasion of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, which falls on May 8th of each year, leaders and specialists in emergency medicine affirmed that the Saudi Red Crescent Authority represents the “pulse of humanity” and the first line of defense in the healthcare system, praising its pivotal role in protecting lives and providing emergency ambulance services according to the highest professional standards.
Historical background and global context
The roots of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement trace back to 1859, when Swiss businessman Henry Dunant witnessed the suffering of thousands of wounded at the Battle of Solferino. This experience inspired him to establish a global humanitarian movement dedicated to protecting human life and dignity without discrimination. The Saudi Red Crescent Society was founded in 1963, becoming an integral part of this global movement and adhering to its seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. Since its inception, the Society has become a cornerstone of emergency and crisis response both within the Kingdom and abroad.
Humanitarian leadership and field readiness
In this context, Dr. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Zahrani, Director General of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority branch in Madinah, explained that the Authority plays a pivotal role in supporting the pre-hospital healthcare system and responding to emergencies. He added that its mission is to provide rapid response to patients and the injured, deliver emergency medical care at the scene, and then transfer critical cases to healthcare facilities, ensuring patient safety and the quality of service provided.
Al-Zahrani pointed out that the Authority plays a key role in managing crises and disasters, and participating in the implementation of national plans for major seasons, such as Hajj and Umrah seasons, through integration and coordination with various governmental, security and health agencies, and harnessing all capabilities to serve the people, visitors and guests of God, based on a humanitarian duty and a national mission aimed at preserving lives and alleviating suffering.
Volunteers: Partners in Success within the Humanitarian System
Both Dr. Al-Zahrani and Dr. Basem Al-Bahrani, an emergency medicine consultant, affirmed that volunteers are a fundamental pillar and active partners in the humanitarian system. At the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, volunteers are viewed as active partners, receiving specialized training and development programs that enable them to provide highly efficient field, awareness, and emergency support. This approach aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in promoting a culture of volunteerism and social responsibility.
Al-Bahrani added that workers and volunteers in the field face multiple challenges, including work pressures, difficult humanitarian scenes, and working in dangerous or physically and psychologically exhausting conditions, which requires continuous training to ensure emotional balance and the ability to perform tasks professionally and responsibly.
The importance of spreading first aid culture
Experts emphasized that promoting first aid awareness and providing defibrillators in public places enhances community preparedness to handle critical situations before the arrival of specialized teams. They explained that the first few minutes of an emergency are often crucial in saving a life. When community members possess basic first aid knowledge, they become the first link in the chain of rescue, able to intervene effectively by quickly reporting the incident, securing the scene, and initiating emergency procedures such as CPR and stopping bleeding. This reduces the risk of complications and makes a real difference in quality of life.
Local and international impact
The Saudi Red Crescent's role extends beyond the local level, impacting regionally and internationally. Its expertise in crowd management and medical response during the Hajj season, the world's largest annual human gathering, has made it a model to be emulated globally. The organization also actively participates in international relief efforts in response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide, reflecting the Kingdom's leading role in global humanitarian work.
