Saudi Red Crescent introduces advanced first-aid for pilgrims

JEDDAH: Prince Faisal bin Abdullah, president of Saudi Red Crescent Authority, launched yesterday a new first-aid device designed by the authority and manufactured in Europe to serve pilgrims during the Haj season.
“This is first of its kind in the world,” said Prince Faisal about the new device that can be used to transport patients and accident victims quickly from crowded areas.
“It was designed to meet the requirements of Red Crescent volunteers while serving pilgrims during the Haj season,” he said.
The new first-aid device, with a size of 1,920-by-620-by-760 millimeters and a net weight of 70 kilograms can carry all the equipment required to provide first-aid services to people.
“It is capable of carrying people having different sizes and weights,” one official said, adding that the device is made of steel and aluminum and can withstand extreme climatic conditions.
The device can be moved through any ground without causing discomfort to patients or victims as it has been provided with a shock absorbing system.
Meanwhile, Prince Faisal inspected yesterday the authority’s services for the guests of God and commended its employees for their services to pilgrims in Makkah and other holy sites.
He was briefed on the operation of the air ambulance service, an affiliate of the authority that transports patients and accident victims to specialized hospitals.
Prince Faisal launched a model first-aid center in Arafat and inspected its facilities. “This is the first time such a center is established during Haj,” one official said, adding that it would be reopened in the coming Haj seasons.