Ambulance training for women paramedics ‘20 years overdue’

The general manager of the women department at the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) has said the 20-year delay in activating the Women’s Ambulance Training Center in Jeddah is due to flawed procedures, sluggishness of officials, and red tape.
“The program already activated centers in Qassim, Riyadh, Asir, and other places, except Jeddah and Makkah,” said Dr. Muneerah Al-Mazroa. She said that 50 women paramedic trainers and employees, as well 22 qualified staff, are working in these centers.
“Several reasons participated in the delay of women paramedics joining the work in Makkah province.
This led to the emergence of women voluntaries in the field eight years ago,” she said, explaining that the SRCA was looking for an opportunity to attract women paramedics and open a training paramedic department for women to support the western region.
“The new center in Jeddah includes 10 women trainers on quick first aid, and qualified personnel on ambulance training and emergencies,” she noted, adding that the center had already contracted with women applicants for rewarding salaries.
“They are already working as trainers under the Prince Naif Program for First Aid and will work on training at schools and other places. Their role will include training teachers and other applicants from various government bodies on first aid during emergencies,” she said.