Abu Dhabi: National Ambulance will continue to raise awareness on healthy practises for safe fasting, safe driving and adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures during Ramadan as part of its ‘Safe and Healthy Ramadan campaign’.
The drive, targeting community members, focuses on three main elements: Firstly, promoting a sense of responsibility and care for community and public safety by adhering to the COVID-19 preventive measures during Ramadan. Secondly, raising awareness through recommended healthy practises for observing safe fasting during the holy month. Thirdly, reminding drivers and all road users to drive safely during Ramadan and to spare a thought for the safety of other road users.
Ahmad Saleh Al Hajeri, chief executive officer of National Ambulance, said: “As we enter the last ten days of Ramadan, I would like to reassure the community that National Ambulance remain at full readiness and heightened levels of preparedness. This comes as part of the proactive measures we have taken to ensure an effective and rapid response to potential emergency incidents that may arise during Ramadan and Eid. I would also urge people to continue following and adhering to the preventive measures issued by the authorities concerned and support UAE’s concerted efforts in protecting the health and safety of all community members during and after Ramadan as we all move forward towards full recovery and successfully overcoming of this pandemic.”
Safe-fasting during Ramadan
In its campaign, National Ambulance encourage members of the community to adopt healthy practices for safe-fasting during Ramadan — the most important of which is to consult a physician prior to fasting. This is particularly important for COVID-19 patients, pregnant and lactating women and people with chronic medical conditions. The emergency medical aid provider also stressed the importance of following a healthy and balanced diet, as well as drinking eight to ten glasses of water daily in order to prevent dehydration and avoid eating fatty, fried and spicy food, along with a reduced intake of salt and added sugar.
National Ambulance also advised people to avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee and soft drinks and substitute them with natural unsweetened juices. It’s advise also focused on the need to get enough sleep and the importance of eating smaller portions slowly and chewing food well. It also suggested light physical activity two hours after ending the fast every day in order to maintain healthy weight and energy levels and to avoid sleeping or lying down immediately after iftar.
Avoid last-minute rush
With regard to safe driving, National Ambulance reminded drivers and road users to take extra caution on the road, adhere to the traffic rules, practise defensive driving, be patient and tolerant towards others while driving, stay focused and calm while keeping away from all distractions, plan ahead and start the journey early to arrive on time and avoid last-minute rush or stress. It also advised motorists to refrain from driving when fatigued and to stop at a safe place and get some rest. They werre also told to park their vehicles only at designated parking places when attending Tarawih or Tahajjud prayers.
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National Ambulance also reminded people to call 998 for emergency ambulance assistance in the Northern Emirates and to assist its personnel in ensuring efficient delivery of urgent care to those in need.
