DUBAI // Emergency services in the northern Emirates are to get better equipment and improved training of staff. Humaid Mohammed Obaid al Qattami, the Minister of Health, said a recent study of rescue services showed where they needed to be improved. Dr Salem al Darmaki, the ministry's head of strategy, said the time it takes for ambulances to respond to emergencies had to be cut.
"We have specific recommendations regarding the enhancement of their potential through reducing the time to reach the patient or the injured, as well as supporting ambulances with the latest medical and testing equipment including blood and heart testing," Dr Darmaki said. A significant need is to ensure that patients being taken to hospital are tested thoroughly so medical staff know in advance, by radio, what to expect.
Mr Qattami stressed the importance of using the best available equipment to ensure "efficient and prompt relief operations [and] guarantee the safety of those in distress and badly in need of emergency intervention". munderwood@thenational.ae
