The Ambulance Service of Hamad Medical Corporation in Doha, Qatar has experienced a significant decrease in the number of calls received for minor cases, thanks to a national awareness campaign. Ali Darwish, Assistant Executive Director of the Ambulance Service, noted that there has been a substantial drop in the number of calls for conditions that do not require ambulance assistance. This decrease is attributed to the public’s cooperation and support in seeking healthcare facilities for low-priority conditions instead of relying on ambulance services. The efforts of the Ambulance Service have been successful in educating the public on when to call an ambulance and when to seek alternative treatment options for non-life-threatening cases.
In a recent report, the Ambulance Service received a total of 722 calls on a Monday, with 607 related to medical emergencies, 115 due to trauma, and 32 related to road traffic accidents. Three patients were transported by life-flight air ambulance, showcasing the important role that the Ambulance Service plays in responding to diverse emergency situations. The data published by HMC revealed that the Ambulance Service has received over 122,800 calls and more than 680 life-flight air ambulance activations between January and April in 2024. These numbers highlight the continued demand for emergency medical services in Qatar and the need for ongoing public education on accessing the appropriate care for different medical conditions.
The national campaign ‘Where For Your Care?’ launched in January aims to raise awareness of emergency and urgent healthcare services in Qatar and assist patients in making informed decisions about their medical care needs. As part of this campaign, the public is being educated on the symptoms and conditions that warrant calling an ambulance, as well as the alternative treatment options available for non-life-threatening cases. Conditions such as heart attack, stroke, seizure, choking, chest pain, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, and severe allergic reactions are classified as life-threatening, emphasizing the importance of swift medical intervention in such situations. The success of this awareness campaign, coupled with the long-standing ‘Know The Five to Save Life’ campaign, has bolstered the efforts of the Ambulance Service in providing timely and effective emergency care to the community.
Ali Darwish highlighted the positive impact of the ‘Know The Five to Save Life’ campaign in enhancing the Ambulance Service’s operations and response times. The campaign emphasizes key points crucial for ensuring that ambulances reach patients promptly to administer life-saving treatment, including dialing 999 immediately, knowing the location, cooperating with paramedics, following their instructions, and giving way to ambulances on the road. The cooperation of the public in adhering to these guidelines has been instrumental in supporting the Ambulance Service’s mission to provide quality emergency medical care to those in need. Additionally, the Ambulance Service collaborates closely with the General Directorate of Traffic to waive traffic violations for ambulances based on reports confirming their presence and the driver’s cooperation, further facilitating swift and safe transportation during emergencies.
In conclusion, the efforts of the Ambulance Service in Doha, Qatar, have led to a significant reduction in calls for minor cases, thanks to the support and cooperation of the public and the effectiveness of national awareness campaigns. The Ambulance Service remains dedicated to providing timely and efficient emergency medical care, responding to a wide range of medical emergencies and trauma situations. Ongoing initiatives such as the ‘Where For Your Care?’ campaign and the ‘Know The Five to Save Life’ campaign play a vital role in educating the public on when to call an ambulance and how to support emergency responders in delivering life-saving treatment. With continued collaboration between healthcare providers, government agencies, and the community, the Ambulance Service in Qatar is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the population and ensure better health outcomes for all.
