Ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday in the Northern Emirates, the National Ambulance has prepared an integrated pre-emptive emergency plan and readied necessary proactive measures to ensure maximum public safety. As part of the emergency plan, the National Ambulance has intensified around the clock readiness and alertness of the ambulance crews to deal with potential emergency incidents and incoming calls during the holiday period. The ambulance crews will reportedly be working at full capacity to respond to emergency situations.

At the same time, resources have been strategically distributed and deployed on important roads, tourist areas, and public places which are expected to witness frequent gatherings, including parks, malls, beaches.

National Ambulance will be working in close coordination with strategic partners across the emergency sector, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention and their hospitals, the Ministry of Interior (mainly Police and Civil Defense), and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs such that maximum public safety can be ensured.

Speaking over the development, National Ambulance CEO Ahmed Saleh Al Hajeri maintained that all necessary precautions have been taken to address potential emergency service requirements at the frontline along with continuous precautionary steps to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus across the region. He further urged the public on behalf of National Ambulance to celebrate the festival of Eid responsibly in a bid to protect the health and safety of the community.

"National Ambulance urges the public through its awareness campaign ‘Stay Cautious #YourAreResponsible’ to responsibly celebrate Eid, working together to protect the health and safety of the community, while also continuing to supporting the collaborative efforts of the UAE as we move forward in overcoming and recovering from this pandemic," Al Hajeri added.

Through the awareness campaign, the National Ambulance urges the community to continue abiding by precautionary and preventive guidelines issued for celebrating a safe Eid. It calls on the community to adhere to health and safety guidelines suggested by concerned authorities which include: performing the Eid prayer at home; replacing Eidyia (handing out money or gifts) with online alternatives; greeting relatives and friends through mobile phones or modern technology instead of visiting them.

Along with these measures, The National Ambulance urges the public to follow basic health protection measures, such as washing and sanitizing hands, wearing masks, and maintaining physical distancing. At the same time, they have been asked to refrain from shaking hands, cheek and nose greeting, kissing, and hugging others. People have been requested to avoid crowded places and gatherings at public places, private houses, or farms during the festive celebrations. It is also suggested to refrain from visiting people who are at higher risk from a serious illness. Furthermore, people can coordinate animal sacrifices through the smartphone apps outlined by the local authorities which will help them in remote purchase, slaughter and delivery of animals on their behalf.

In addition, Al Hajeri called on the public to drive safely, issuing a warning to parents about potential life-threatening dangers that children may face during Eid celebrations.

He issued a reminder to call the National Ambulance on 998 or use the NA998 App for any emergency during the festive celebrations. 

WAM