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998 for medical emergencies reactivated

The reactivation follows an extensive testing phase which took place over a period of three months overseen by the Ministry of Interior.

Abu Dhabi - On orders from Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the dedicated emergency number for the National Ambulance, 998, was reactivated on Monday.

All calls to the number from the Northern Emirates will be directed to the National Ambulance Communications Centre. The reactivation follows an extensive testing phase which took place over a period of three months overseen by the Ministry of Interior.

“The National Ambulance has demonstrated that it has the ability, skill-set and technology infrastructure to deliver this great responsibility,” said Saif Abdullah Al Sha’far, Undersecretary at the ministry.

Ambulances are dispatched according to the severity of the case in line with international standards for achieving best patient outcomes.

Ahmed Saleh Al Hajeri, Deputy CEO of National Ambulance, said: “Testing of the 998 number has proven that it will improve our efficiency in responding to emergency situations and as a result enhance our delivery of first-class pre-hospital services to the community in the Northern Emirates.”

Al Hajeri stressed that false or hoax calls to 998 have a significant impact on service response times, potentially endangering lives. “False calls can tie up operators and prevent our team from arriving quickly to render assistance. Misuse or abuse of the 998 number will be reported and corrective action instigated by the Ministry of Interior.” reporters@khaleejtimes.com