As usual every year, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) was actively engaged in the celebrations of Qatar National Day (QND), it was announced yesterday.
This year, QRCS’ medical professionals, volunteers, and relief workers were honoured at the QND parade, in the presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and other dignitaries.
Being invited to the parade for the first time, QRCS’ personnel were recognised for their heroic achievements in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as their dedicated contributions to the efforts to protect the country against risks.
At the same time, QRCS’ Medical Affairs Division’s Medical Emergency Services (EMS) were mobilised to medically cover the public at the venues of celebration. All over during the QND, QRCS deployed 92 medical staff, 10 drivers, four support staff, 33 ambulance vehicles, one emergency vehicle, one 4×4 type ambulance, two official vehicles, one jet ski, and one motorbike.
According to a report issued by QRCS’ Medical Affairs Division, the ambulance and medical coverage services offered during QND were as follows:
lQND Medical Coverage: 33 medical staff and seven type II ambulances along Corniche.
lQND Walking Parade: Four EMS staff along Corniche.
lEMS Vehicle Parade: Nine drivers, six type II ambulances, one emergency unit, one 4×4 type ambulance, one jet ski, and one motorbike.
lSwabbing facility for Amir Cup final (in co-ordination with Hamad Medical Corporation): Five medical staff  and one type II ambulance at Al Sadd SC, Al Arabi SC, Local Organising Committee, and Qatar National Convention Center.
In addition to the QND celebrations at Corniche, there were other events medically covered by QRCS, including:
lQND Fireworks at Corniche: Two medical staff and one type II ambulance at the Palm Island.
lAmir Cup Fireworks: Two medical staff and one type II ambulance at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
lFilm Shooting: Three medical staff and one type II ambulance in Zekreet.
lWinter Festival: Two medical staff and one type II ambulance at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
lAjyal Film Festival: Two medical staff and one type II ambulance at Lusail Marina.
The regular operations went normally as shown below:
nCovid-19 Operations: 20 medical staff and 10 type II ambulances at the Mekaines Quarantine Motel (blocks No 11,13, and 18), Umm Qarn Quarantine, and Bu Sidra Quarantine.
n Industrial Project: Eight medical staff and two type II ambulances at Nakilat and Qatar Steel.
n First Aid Stations: two medical staff at Hyatt Plaza Mall and Villaggio Mall.
At the headquarters of the Emergency Operation Center, there were two medical dispatchers to regulate the activities of ambulance vehicles. Also, the EMS support and logistics team was stationed there, including four medical staff and two type II ambulances (standby).
The Workers’ Health Centers in Doha (Mesaimeer Al Hemailah, and Fereej Abdul-Aziz) continued to work 24/7 during the QND holiday (departments of Urgent Cases, outpatient clinics, laboratory, X-ray, and pharmacy). The clinics and ambulance services also continued at the Mekaines Quarantine Motel. The Workers’ Health Center in Zekreet, worked normally during morning shift only.
All these health facilities are operated by QRCS, under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Health.