Rescue missions numbers down for Dubai Police Air Wing

The Director of Air Wing Centre of Dubai Police General Department of Operations, Colonel Abdullah Al Shehi, told the newspaper that 68 rescue missions have been carried so far this year, as compared to 108 in the corresponding period last year.

“Among the missions performed this year were transfer of 48 accident victims, transfer of eight patients and 12 land and sea search operations,” Col Al Shehi stated. The significant fall in rescue operations this year can be attributed to the strict implementation of traffic rules and new roads and bridges, he felt. “Heavy fines and implementation of black points as well as increased traffic patrols and use of sophisticated radars efficiently deterred reckless and speeding motorists,” he pointed out.

Col. Al Shehi pointed out the Air Wing rescue teams took an average of 14.4 minutes to respond to emergency calls this year, as compared to 14.9 minutes last year. “The police air wing centre is fully geared to fly within three minutes after receiving a rescue report from 999 emergency call centre and provide Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) round the clock to any land or sea emergency in Dubai or the Northern Emirates and even neighbouring countries,” he said.

“This is due to the advanced helicopters used, professional training provided to the personnel and increasing public awareness,” he added.

He said that bad weather conditions, low visibility, the rescue helicopter’s landing in unprepared spots, and above all spectators crowding the accident scene were the main obstacles that hampering rescue operations.