DUBAI The Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) handled a total of 679 patients on Dubai roads on New Year’s Eve, a top official told XPRESS.
Dr Omar Al Sakaf, DCAS’ Director of Medical and Technical Affairs, said: “We managed 679 patients between 5pm on December 31, 2014 and 5am on January 1, 2015. These cases came from different parts of Dubai, although most of them were from the Downtown area around Burj Khalifa.”
Giving a breakdown of the figures, Dr Al Sakaf said eight cases were serious in nature and had to be rushed to hospitals.
Minor complaints
“They presented with cardiac, respiratory and other serious problems. Otherwise, the large majority of cases – 532 - comprised minor complaints. Forty nine patients had moderate complaints, including chest pain, breathing problems, hypertension etc.”
He said 30 per cent of the cases comprised trauma and 34 per cent general sickness.
“Our staff was out on the roads in full force that night. A total of 105 ambulances and 400 paramedics in two shifts were on duty to ensure that every contingency was successfully met,” he said.
Dr Al Sakaf said the number of cases had gone down since from year because the celebrations were concentrated in the Burj Khalifa area.
“Last time, the crowds were more dispersed as the Palm fireworks also drew huge numbers of people. Things were more organised this year and we had easier access to the happening areas.”
