Dubai: The registration service for patients with critical conditions has helped save 18 patients who suffered cardiac arrests in the first three months of this year.

Since its launch by Dubai Police, in cooperation with the Dubai Corporation for Ambulatory Services (DCAS), in 2007, more than 1,200 patients have registered their details, including 250 people who registered online after the service was launched in April, 2011, according to Khalifa Al Darrai, Executive Director of DCAS.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday to announce the first International Pre-Hospital Care Conference to be held in Dubai next month, Al Darrai said nine countries, including the UAE, will exchange experience and information about best practices in pre-hospital care.

About 500 people will attend the conference, organised by Pan-Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study (Paros) between April 15 and 17.

Dr G.Y. Naroo, Emergency Department In Charge, Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre and Paros member, said a patient who suffered a cardiac arrest on New Year's eve was rescued thanks to his earlier registration in the system.

"The patient was celebrating with thousands of people at the Burj Khalifa when he suffered a cardiac arrest and called 999," he said.

"Thanks to his earlier registration in the service, paramedics were able to reach him in no time with full knowledge of his medical condition and history, although there were thousands of people celebrating New Year around him," Dr Naroo said.

Training

Basic training for the general public could help save many lives as a lot can be done in the first few minutes following a heart attack or any type of trauma.

"Providing basic knowledge to the public on how to act in case of an emergency can save lives, which is one of the points the conference will discuss," Dr Naroo added. Approach to cardiac care in the UAE and the region cannot match that in countries such as the US, according to Dr Naroo. Studies show that the average age for pople to suffer heart attack in the region is 10 years lesser than that in the US, for example.

He pointed out to a recent study which showed that many young people in the age group of 25-35, who were healthy in general, and have suffered heart attacks, came from East Punjab.

"Genetics play a part in this, and that is why we cannot be compared to the US and should do things our way," he said.

How the service works

The service allows residents in Dubai who suffer from heart disease or other critical ailments to register and subscribe for the service. Main data should be entered, such as address, contact number, and medical condition and attending physician. The information is entered in the Incident Management System (IMS), available in the Command and Control Centre of Dubai Police. When a distress call is received, a patient's location will be determined (based on the information entered in the subscription form) on a map automatically. Such patients will be given high priority for receiving aid. Request To Secure Patients With Critical Health/Heart Problems available at www.dubaipolice.gov.ae