KUWAIT: Dr Ahmad Al-Shatti, Director of the Emergency Medical Department at the Ministry of Health, reported that the department handled a total of 173,839 cases in 2024, with 137,914 emergency calls received. He highlighted that 144,478 cases were transported by ambulance, including 99,546 urgent cases and 44,932 non-urgent cases.
Dr Al-Shatti also provided details on the department’s response to road accidents, with 10,911 cases managed, and air ambulance services, which transported 1,062 patients. Additionally, 78 cases were handled through medical evacuations, and 506 cases were managed for patients arriving and departing via the country’s borders.
The department also conducted 97 mock drills to maintain preparedness. Dr Al-Shatti praised the exceptional efforts of the medical teams, especially during the 26th Gulf Cup Football Championship (Khaleeji Zain 26), where over a quarter of a million people, including attendees, participating teams, officials, and media personnel, were provided emergency medical services over the course of 13 days. The event saw 463 personnel, 50 ambulances, golf carts, and four-wheel-drive vehicles deployed, and 200 emergency medical technicians were trained on handling sports injuries, with 517 cases treated.
Additionally, the “Paramedic in Every Home” program benefited 15,000 individuals, and 3,500 people participated in CPR training sessions held in October 2024. Dr Al-Shatti acknowledged the dedication and efforts of the staff in providing emergency medical services, contributing to the overall well-being of the community throughout the year. — KUNA