Saudi Ministry of Defense has air ambulance on standby for pilgrims.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense is ready to provide safety and security services, including the air ambulance, as pilgrims gather at the tent city of Mina.

The Kingdom has launched the air ambulance service to enhance healthcare for pilgrims undertaking Hajj this season.

The first emergency case had already been transported, the ministry said on Friday.

The Saudi Red Crescent Authority’s ambulance teams rescued the pilgrim, an African man in his 60s who was suffering from chest pains, from the Grand Mosque area following a report to its command room.

Medical personnel examined the patient and carried out an ECG before flying him from the landing pad at the Makkah Clock Tower to King Abdullah Medical City.

The Ministry of Defense health services will continue to provide air ambulance services throughout this year’s Hajj in cooperation with the SRCA and the Presidency of State Security, represented by the Security Aviation.

Assistant commander of the mission, Brigadier General Dr. Bandar bin Muhammad Al-Jaeed, told the Saudi Press Agency that this year, vertical and jet air medical evacuation aircraft belonging to the Armed Forces Medical Services would be ready around the clock to respond to emergency situations and transport those who required further treatment to hospital.

The aircraft are equipped with the latest equipment to ensure the best care for pilgrims who need it, including an oxygen machine that can operate on board for up to four hours.

The goal is to support the efforts of the security services and government agencies to provide all necessary facilities to serve pilgrims and achieve the Saudi leadership’s directives and aspirations to enable pilgrims to perform their Hajj rituals with ease, security and safety.