The Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Ambulance Service recorded exceptional smooth operations in the year 2022 and reached between 1,200 and 1,300 patients daily.
Assistant Executive Director of the Ambulance Service, Ali Darwish in an exclusive interview with The Peninsula described 2022 as an “excellent” year in which exceptional services were provided to the people.
The patient transfers include medical emergency, road traffic accidents, inter-facility transfers, community service, including supported discharge (e.g, IV antibiotics, dressings at home), long-term care for housebound elderly patients and services at fixed facilities.
The Ambulance Service also played a major role in providing healthcare services during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, ensuring smooth operations throughout the tournament.
According to Ali Darwish, World Cup related services were provided without any interruption to regular day to day operations of the Ambulance Service.
Due to the specialisation and expertise in pre-hospital care, Ambulance Service took responsibility of clinics near the stadiums, fans and other places.
Besides, services were also available at Hamad International Airport, Doha International Airport and Abu Samra border.
Ali Darwish
“With early planning over the years, we could predict the demand during the World Cup and prepare ahead. Due to this, we were able to manage everything well during the tournament. All our regular services were provided without any hindrance,” said Ali Darwish, adding that team work, coordination with other entities and dedication of the crew members at Ambulance Service ensured the smooth operations.
He said that all major sporting events held in previous years gave lessons and the real test was FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
He added that the commendable service provided by the Ambulance Service during the World Cup was recognised by FIFA and appreciated by patients.
“We had one aim that was to fly the flag of Ambulance Service high during the World Cup,” said Ali Darwish indicating that the aim was achieved.
“The experience was excellent. The feedback we received from the FIFA and people who avail our services are a testament for that we provided a smooth and efficient service,” said Ali Darwish.
The regular fleet of Ambulance Service includes 59 ambulances in rural area, 242 in urban area, 56 rapid response and supervisor vehicles, one major incident response truck with pre-hospital care mobile units and three life flights. A fleet of 158 ambulances and 2,500 staff were dedicated only for World Cup related operations of the Ambulance Service. Golf carts, scooters and backpacks were also used during the tournament at stadiums and fan zones depending on demand.
“Ambulance Service attended medical emergencies and trauma cases – majority of them were minor and moderate. Some cases needed care at hospitals and they were transferred to dedicated facilities,” said Ali Darwish.
He also indicated that moving on with the successful operations into 2023 the Ambulance Service will consider all necessary steps to further enhance the services in several areas including training and technology.
