
Saudi Red Crescent conducts air evacuation in Arafat as part of Hajj preparedness efforts
ARAFAT: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority carried out an emergency air medical evacuation in Arafat on Wednesday, as part of its broader efforts to enhance readiness during the Hajj season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The operation was launched after an emergency call was received by the SRCA's central operations room.
Ground and air ambulance teams were immediately dispatched to the scene in coordination with relevant health authorities, SPA added.
The patient was stabilized on-site and transported by medical evacuation aircraft to a designated hospital, following direct coordination with the hospital's medical team and the provision of all necessary medical details.
SRCA spokesman Dr. Taimur Shukrullah Jan said the mission was part of a broader integrated system designed to improve emergency response across the holy sites.
He noted that medical evacuation aircraft are crucial in reducing response times, particularly in areas of high population density or restricted mobility.
'The authority is harnessing all its human and technical resources to serve pilgrims, in line with its humanitarian and national mission,' Jan said. 'Our ground and air ambulance teams are operating around the clock to deliver urgent care where and when it's needed.'
The SRCA's air ambulance service for the Hajj season comprises 11 aircraft deployed across 13 strategic landing sites in Makkah and the holy sites.
More than 120 trained personnel are working to ensure rapid intervention and high-quality emergency services for pilgrims, SPA reported.
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