Dubai: Next time you see a female paramedic dressed in pink, bear in mind that she is on a mission to save two lives at a time.
The Dubai Centre for Ambulance Services has started a free ambulance service, the Ambulance for Maternity and Childhood, to cater to pregnancy issues and pay more attention to pregnant women during the difficult hours before reaching the hospital.
"A survey we did showed that a majority of women surveyed supported the idea of a dedicated ambulance to deal with pregnancy issues. There was also the need looking at the traditions of society, as it is more comfortable to have female medics attending to women," said Dr Omar Al Saqqaf, emergency medicine consultant at the centre.
The ambulance began operating in July and is already proving to be a success.
"According to statistics, the ambulance has attended to 376 cases between birth cases, miscarriages and womb bleedings," Dr Al Saqqaf said.
There are currently eight trained female paramedics and midwives who are experienced and have been given extensive training to deal with such cases.
The aim behind allocating a special ambulance to cater to pregnancy and birth related cases is to provide advanced motherhood emergency service and buy time to save and keep the lives of the mother and the child.
The ambulance is operated in coordination with Al Wasl Hospital, which receives pregnancy-related cases.
"Despite its recent launch, this ambulance service is proving a success, not only among women, who prefer a lady to lady service, but also among men who are more comfortable knowing women are attending to their wives, sisters, or female relatives in such critical situations," Dr Al Saqqaf said.
The information required by the centre from the patient includes the expected date of birth, personal information such as name and telephone number and the specific location.
Keithley, a paramedic for four years, has more experience with pregnancy-related cases. She told Gulf News that the most difficult case she encountered so far was a case of "placenta previa". Placenta previa is generally defined as the implantation of the placenta over or near the internal opening of the cervix. It is an obstetric complication that occurs in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and may cause serious morbidity and mortality to both the fetus and the mother.
"The baby survived in this case because the mother knew about her condition and had informed us when we arrived to help her," she said.
The Ambulance for Maternity and Childhood can be reached by calling 04-6095777 or the emergency number 999 which will transfer the call to the ambulance centre.
Information: Where to call
The Ambulance for Maternity and Childhood can be reached by calling 04-6095777 or the emergency number 999 which will transfer the call to the ambulance centre.
Do you think such a service would be helpful? Do you know of any other medical emergencies which may need dedicated ambulances?
Your comments
This is a brilliant idea and should be promoted even further. This is a Muslim country and both he men and women feel much comfortable when female paramedics are taking care of the pregnant woman in an emergency situation.
I would also like to suggest that women should be encouraged to become doctors of various specialisations so that they can perform surgery on female patients as well.
Mohammad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 11:03
It is great idea, it would be a great if such a service is extended across UAE.
Miesaa A
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 09:34
Pregnant women would feel safe in an emergency if driven in a special ambulance dedicated for pregnancy issues. With female paramedics in the ambulance, any problems arising while on the way to hospital can be taken care of. Surely this service will be helpful for pregnant women and it also reflects the importance given to women and children in the country.
Naina Nair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 09:27
I think this is a good idea, but it does not mean that male ambulance attendants should not be trained in midwifery! There may be situations when the dedicated maternity ambulances cannot reach the patient in time, so the normal ambulances should be deployed. And as a mother I assure you, that in an emergency situation, it really does not matter if you have help from a male or female attendant. You would just be thankful that someone is helping save your life and your baby's.
Behin Ardakani
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 09:09
Great! Really a good thought.
Fia F.
Mangalore,India
Posted: September 27, 2009, 09:05
Great effort, but is it only for Dubai or for all Emirates? May they have all the success.
Sohail Ali
Ajman,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 07:42
I think its a great concept and an initiative that would provide immense support to female patients, especially at the most critical point of their lives. Moreover, it is believed that a woman understands the need of another woman better than any one else.
Fatima Suhail
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 03:54
Excellent service! All praises for Center of Ambulance Services Dubai.
Tarek Syed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 27, 2009, 02:22
