HMC deploys additional ambulances, staff for Eid

HMC Ambulance

To ensure the continuity of pre-hospital care service and meet the increased demand during the Eid holiday season, Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Ambulance Service has deployed sufficient units consisting vehicle sand staff. 

As an approximate of 10% to 15% increase is seen in the number of calls during Eid holidays, the Ambulance Service is providing extra coverage at most visited areas and give access to effective care on a 24-hour basis, Assistant Executive Director of the Ambulance Service, Ali Darwish said. 

These areas include Katara, Souq Waqif, Aspire Park, beaches, malls, Hamad International Airport and Abu Samra border.

On the first day of Eid the Ambulance Service transported 312 people, which is higher than 270 cases recorded on the first day of Eid Al Fitr in May. 

“The number of patients transported is within 12 hours and there is possibility of increase in the next 12 hours,” said Ali Darwish.

Among the number of patients transported, 51 cases were due to trauma, 261 due to medical emergencies, 11 road accidents and two people were transported by Lifeflight (air-ambulances) for medical emergencies, according to Ali Darwish. He said that all cases were mild and moderate and majority of cases were reported from outdoors and only a few domestic accidents.

Ali Darwish also reminded the public about the importance of giving clear information to the dispatcher including the nature of the emergency and the exact location, follow the operator’s instructions about how to behave at the sight of the emergency and what to do till help arrives. Callers should pay attention to any questions asked by the operator and answer them as accurately as possible. 

 All emergency and inpatient services across Hamad Medical Corporation’s network of hospitals operate as usual, 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
The Emergency Department at Hamad General Hospital received 223 cases yesterday. Among them 53 were due to road accidents, 37 with nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting, 32 with fever and throat pain. 

“The Emergency Department operates as usual and sufficient number of doctors and nurses are on standby for any needed situation. Usually during Eid the numbers of patients are high between 3pm and 7pm. We triage our patients based on international standards and provide treatment accordingly. We also advice patients with mild conditions to go to their designated health centres,” said Dr. Rana El Sayed, Senior Consultant, Emergency Medicine, Hamad General Hospital.