Red Crescent Deploys Advanced CPR Tech in Riyadh

Emergency medical teams of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Riyadh recently managed a cardiac and respiratory arrest case in the Al-Wizarat district using advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technologies as part of their field response operations.

During the intervention, the teams used a mechanical chest compression system (LUCAS) to deliver consistent, automated chest compressions in the field. They also deployed a Head-Up CPR device, which elevates the patient's head and neck during resuscitation — marking the first time this device has been used in field operations within the Authority's system in Riyadh.

These technologies form part of a broader pre-hospital emergency care system designed in line with recent international emergency medicine protocols to improve the quality and speed of care for critical cases. In Riyadh, rapid-response units and field ambulance teams operate within an integrated framework that includes an electronic paramedic system linking dozens of health facilities and reducing response times to emergency calls.

The Authority's operations are connected to the national 911 Unified Security Operations Center, enabling centralized receipt and dispatch of reports and integrated wireless coverage for ambulance communications. Every emergency ambulance is equipped with a defibrillator — costing around SAR 160,000 per unit — capable of transmitting electrocardiogram data in real time to hospital physicians for guided resuscitation decisions.

Why it matters

Within its 2026–2028 strategy, the Authority reports handling more than 1.4 million emergency calls annually, achieving a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rate of around 24%, and reaching about 45% of emergency cases within eight minutes. The Authority is also expanding its fleet with hundreds of advanced ambulances featuring modern medical technologies and infection-control systems. Community awareness is supported through initiatives such as "Stop Me and Learn a Skill" training corners, where the public learns CPR, bleeding control, choking management, and AED use.

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