Rescuing a Critical Respiratory Case Through Air Medical Evacuation in Medina

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority in the Medina region activated air medical evacuation to manage a critical medical case involving a patient suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, accompanied by acute deterioration in respiratory function. This was part of its advanced readiness to handle high-risk cases in accordance with the highest medical standards.
The Authority explained that the Medical Dispatch Center received a report of a critical respiratory case and dispatched the nearest ambulance team from the Shuran launch point. The team attended the case in the field, and assessment revealed that the patient was experiencing severe respiratory distress and relying on several oxygen sources simultaneously, indicating acute deterioration in his respiratory condition.
It reported that the ambulance teams provided urgent medical care in accordance with approved protocols, in coordination with medical direction. The necessary treatment was administered, but the patient did not show an adequate response, necessitating escalation of the case and a request for advanced specialized support. Coordination was conducted with the relevant health authorities, and air ambulance services were activated. The aircraft was directed to a location near the patient, and the medical crew was transported to complete advanced interventions in the field.
It noted that the case was managed with the participation of two ambulance teams and the air ambulance crew, under the field supervision of the senior paramedic. Advanced care was provided until the patient’s condition stabilized relatively, after which he was transported to an appropriate healthcare facility in Medina to complete treatment.
The Authority affirmed that this intervention reflects its operational readiness to manage critical cases requiring specialized response and advanced intervention, thereby contributing to improved survival chances and the quality of emergency medical services provided.