National Ambulance launches ‘Safe Summer… Be Prepared’ campaign to boost public safety awareness

Abu Dhabi: National Ambulance has launched its annual "Safe Summer… Be Prepared" campaign, aimed at raising public awareness about essential safety and prevention measures during the summer months. The campaign encourages community members to enjoy the season safely, responsibly, and with greater awareness.

This initiative reflects National Ambulance’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of emergency readiness and enhancing public preparedness. Through informative videos and social media posts, the campaign offers practical tips on how to respond effectively to summer-related emergencies until professional emergency teams arrive, thereby contributing to overall public safety.

This year’s campaign covers a wide range of key topics related to staying safe in hot weather conditions. These include heatstroke prevention, hydration, sun protection, exercising safely during hot weather, and beach and pool safety. It also highlights the importance of supervising children near water, following water sports safety guidelines, and knowing how to handle jellyfish stings.

Summer safety tips and precautions

National Ambulance advises the public to follow these key preventive measures to enjoy a safe summer:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays when outdoors.

• Limit outdoor activities between 10am and 4pm, when temperatures are highest.

• Exercise indoors or in shaded areas, and schedule outdoor workouts during the cooler parts of the day.

• Never leave children unattended in vehicles, as car temperatures can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.

• In case of a medical emergency, call 998 immediately for assistance from specialised medics.

Beach and pool safety

• Be cautious and follow safety instructions at pools and beaches.

• Check the weather forecast before swimming. Only swim in licensed and safe areas with vigilant lifeguards and suitable conditions.

• Parents and caregivers must always supervise children near water and ensure they wear life jackets when needed.

• Use appropriate life jackets and safety gear during water sports to minimize risk.

• Be alert when swimming in areas with jellyfish. If stung, rinse with seawater or vinegar, and seek medical help if necessary.

• Never jump into the water to rescue someone in distress. Instead, alert a lifeguard and call 999 (Police), 997 (Civil Defense), 996 (Coast Guard), or 998 (Ambulance). You can assist by throwing a life ring or using a long object like a stick to pull the person to safety.

The "Safe Summer… Be Prepared" campaign is part of National Ambulance’s ongoing efforts to promote a culture of prevention, education, and preparedness within the community. As an annual initiative, it continues to inform the public about vital safety practices and helps protect community health during the hottest months of the year.

National Ambulance, operating under the National Guard Command, delivers urgent pre-hospital care across the Northern Emirates. Its dedicated emergency ambulance service is available by calling 998. Backed by a modern fleet of ambulances equipped with advanced technology and staffed by highly trained medical professionals, National Ambulance ensures timely, high-quality care for serious illnesses and injuries in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.