Makkah – In a landmark advancement for pilgrim safety, the newly operational helipad at Islam’s holiest site has successfully facilitated its first emergency air ambulance landing at Masjid Al Haram. The milestone enhances critical care response times during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Key Features of the Helipad
- Strategic Location: Positioned on the mosque’s western plaza (near King Abdulaziz Gate)
- 24/7 Readiness: Equipped for night landings and adverse weather conditions
- Medical Integration: Direct coordination with the Haramain Hospital complex (90-second transfer time)
- Capacity: Simultaneously serves 2 helicopters (EC145 & H145 models)
Why This Matters
- Life-Saving Speed: Cuts emergency response from 30+ minutes to <5 minutes for cardiac/stroke cases
- Hajj Preparedness: Vital for mass gatherings where 2,000+ medical emergencies occur daily during peak seasons
- Tech-Enabled: Features AI-powered landing guidance and real-time patient vitals transmission
First Successful Deployment
The helipad’s inaugural use involved evacuating a 65-year-old Indonesian pilgrim suffering acute coronary syndrome. The patient was:
- Stabilized onsite by rooftop medical teams
- Airlifted to cardiac center within 3 minutes 17 seconds
- Currently recovering post-angioplasty
Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Pilgrim Safety Measures
This complements other recent upgrades:
- Smart Bracelets for health monitoring
- Underground Ambulance Network beneath the Grand Mosque
- Drone-Delivered Defibrillators program
Official Statement:
“This helipad reflects our commitment to leveraging technology for pilgrim safety,” said Dr. Al-Ghamdi, Head of Haram Health Services. “We’re setting new global standards for religious mass gatherings.”
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