Dubai: The first Marine Ambulance Unit in Dubai will be launched before the end of the year to treat victims of accidents at sea, the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) announced.
The unit, which will be in the form of a fully-equipped ambulance boat, will be deployed at strategic points on Dubai’s waterfront at Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Al Mamzar as part of the first phase.
In total, there will be eight ambulance points, it was confirmed.
The DCAS recently signed a supply contract with Ocean Boats, a local company speciliased in the manufacture of service vessels, to deliver the first marine ambulance in the next four months from the signing date, a top official from DCAS confirmed.
The agreement was signed by Khalifa Bin Darrai, executive director of DCAS along with senior officials from Dubai Police and Dubai Civil Defence. The unit aims to ensure speedy response to various medical emergencies that occur in the sea.
Giving further details about the unit, Bin Darrai said the design of the Marina Ambulance Unit follows international standards and takes into account all the specifications that ensures quick response to emergencies.
“The boat has been equipped with sophisticated equipment which will help paramedics responding to different cases. The rescue equipment will be situated within cabins so that they are easily accessible for the paramedics, ensuring efficiency in the work,” he said.
In preparing for the launch, DCAS, In cooperation with Dubai Police, organised a marina rescue training course for paramedics who will be part of the Marina Ambulance Unit. Bin Darrai urged them to exert maximum effort to learn all the skills needed to cope with various circumstances during rescue operations.
Bin Darrai, along with other senior officials and the team from the Marina Ambulance Unit, went on a tour in the sea to study the areas where the ambulance points can be set. A mock rescue operation was also performed during the tour where paramedics successfully rescued two people.
He also discussed best practices and maritime experiences with representatives from Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Coast Guard, Dubai Maritime City Authority and Nakheel Real Estate Company.
