Crisis handling by Emirates was commendable

Readers commend Dubai's emergency response personnel. Other topics: terrorism, minivans, knee surgery

Readers praise the efficiency of Dubai’s emergency-response personnel. Ahmed Ramzan / AFP

Congratulations to the captain and crew of Emirates Flight EK521 for handling the crisis efficiently (Plane catches fire at Dubai airport; Emirates confirms 'incident', August 4).

The Dubai International Airport emergency response team also deserves applause for their efficiency in handling the situation. Emirates’ crisis management and communications team also set an example for others to follow.

Everyone will agree that crisis management is not an easy task these days, especially considering that rumour spreads like wildfire through social media.

The airline came up with timely statements and updates to avoid any rumour. Lastly, I salute the fireman, Jassim Al Baloushi, for his act of bravery. May his soul rest in peace.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

It's sad that a fireman lost his life trying to save others (Firefighter dies responding to Emirates plane fire at Dubai airport, August 4).

I offer my condolences to his family.

Dorothy Buffe-Tolentino, Abu Dhabi

As tragic as it was, the mishap taught us one thing that one person can sacrifice his life to save the world (Firefighter dies responding to Emirates plane fire at Dubai airport, August 4).

The Holy Quran comes to life when it says that when you save one soul you save all of humanity. In this case one brave Emirati just did that at Dubai airport.

Name withheld by request

It’s sad that emergency services personnel have to risk their lives for others.

May the soul of Al Baloushi rest in peace.

Carmella Hunt, Abu Dhabi

I salute Al Baloushi for rendering an excellent service. He paid the ultimate price and surely will not be forgotten.

Bruce Gudgeon, South Africa

This is sad news. But I am surprised that there is no article praising the pilot for safely getting the plane on the ground.

Sam Vince, Abu Dhabi

France can follow LA model

In reference to Colin Randall's opinion piece France needs a plan to stop radicalisation of youth (August 3), the French authorities should study the Crash (Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums) programme used by the Los Angeles police department to combat gang crime in LA. It gave the police additional powers of detaining suspects and holding them for a period of time.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

Minivans are not the problem

Your video of last week’s accident on Emirates Road that claimed seven lives was shocking.

However, vans or minivans are no longer more dangerous than other vehicles, even though people are calling for a ban on them. It’s poor and usually impatient driving that is killing people.

Michael Dowds, Dubai

The problem is not the minivan but bad driving. Bad drivers can be in lorries, buses and cars in general.

Richard Gilbert Adams Jr, Dubai

Surgery should be last option

I agree that it is often not necessary to do knee-replacement surgery (Knee operations for UAE's elderly 'expensive and unnecessary', August 1). In Abu Dhabi, doctors are quick to propose knee and hip surgery. This is not the case in Bangkok and Paris. Surgery is the ultimate option. Not the first option as it is too often considered here.

Florence Rusconi, Abu Dhabi

Dr Samih Tarabichi has rightly pointed out that with flexible insurance options, patients could be manipulated.

However, the co-pay policy may prevent this from happening in the future.

Changes or not, health facilities should never be misused.

Name withheld by request