Test landing of air ambulance for evacuation of patients from Grand Mosque to hospitals

Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has successfully conducted test landing of an emergency air ambulance on a newly constructed helipad located within the Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The air ambulance is designated to evacuate patients from the Grand Mosque and transport them to nearby hospitals for treatment during the peak pilgrimage season.

The modern helipad has been meticulously designed to accommodate air ambulance operations, ensuring swift patient evacuation and transport to nearby hospitals. A video clip published by the Emirate of Makkah showed the air ambulance landing on the courtyard of the Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque. The aircraft was fully equipped, including a medical stretcher and vital signs monitors, before taking off en route to the hospital. This was a trial run for the service before its implementation.

This initiative is particularly crucial during peak pilgrimage seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj when the mammoth gathering of pilgrims can potentially strain existing medical resources significantly. This dedicated air ambulance service is set to minimize response times and provide urgent care for those in need of emergency medical services.