Bahrain ambulance service to undergo major upgrade with rapid responders and air ambulances

TDT | By Ashen Tharaka
Email: [email protected]

Bahrain’s National Ambulance Service plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety, with significant developments made recently to improve its efficiency and response times.

The first phase of this vital service was completed with the creation of 12 centers and 3 ambulance points, and efforts are underway to expand this network. The aim is to increase the number of centers to 21, which would allow the service to reduce response times to an average of 5 to 15 minutes depending on location and time of day. For critical cases, response time should be less than 7 minutes. On average, the National Ambulance handles 155 cases per day and 1,090 cases per week. The service is also adopting new technologies, including the integration of artificial intelligence into ambulance management, which will improve efficiency and service delivery.

Additionally, to meet growing demand, a specialist major events unit is being established to ensure regular ambulance services are not disrupted. Plans are also underway for the introduction of air ambulances to improve medical evacuation capabilities, as well as the deployment of medical motorcycles, known as “Swift Responders”, a project which was recognized during the fifth edition of the government innovation competition “Fikra”. launched by His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

This information was revealed during a recent meeting with editors of local newspapers and His Excellency Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior.

On the maritime front, Bahrain is focusing on improving maritime security with a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening navigation safety. One of the key developments is the upcoming provision of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to boat owners through the private sector. AIS devices are essential for tracking vessels and keeping them safe, reducing maritime risks such as collisions and loss of contact. The Coast Guard is actively working to modernize its fleet with modern, high-tech vessels and establish a comprehensive naval operations center to strengthen maritime control and surveillance.

A special maritime control directorate will also be established to monitor and regulate fishing violations, as well as to protect Bahrain’s marine environment. This initiative will be coordinated with the Supreme Environment Council and the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture. Additionally, community partnership remains a priority for the Coast Guard, with awareness campaigns aimed at educating mariners about safety requirements and the importance of complying with maritime regulations.

Through these developments in ambulance and maritime security services, Bahrain continues to prioritize the protection and well-being of its citizens, ensuring more effective responses to emergency situations and improving the security of its waters.