First Emirati flight paramedic explains the risks in saving lives

Pilot Major General Stephen Arthur Tomajan, General Manager, National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) and Hasan Al Hosani, flight paramedic, NSRC.-Photo by Ryan Lim/Khaleej Times

Hasan Al Hosani is thrilled about his job as the first Emirati flight paramedic, a dangerous one, which helps him save lives of people.
"I am the first Emirati paramedic at Abu Dhabi Aviation and National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC). My missions include those at sea and land, and medical evacuation - which make the most cases every month. Many are afraid of this job but I think there is risk in every job," Al Hosani told Khaleej Times during an event organised by the NSRC in Abu Dhabi.
"I go outside and bring the survivor to the aircraft. I hang out on a harness and do rescue act. Your life depends on this," he said, showing ropes, suit and straps. "It's a high-risk job. We jump into the sea, mindful of the fact that there might be sharks. All of this is done to save people's life. We don't care about where you are from, religion, nationality, colour etc - humans are all same. Life is more important than anything."
Once a rescue call is received, the team of two pilots, one crew man and one or two paramedics, is out flying the Leonardo AW 139 helicopter in a reaction time of 15 minutes during day and 30 minutes at night. For a medical evacuation, the team will take two hours to make preparations.
"We are always prepared. A team on duty is 48 hours inside the office. Members of the off-duty team are still on standby for any emergency."
He noted a flight paramedic needs to have medical knowledge and should know swimming. Al Hosani said his international training and advanced aircraft help counter challenges. "Missions, especially at night and in the sea, are very difficult. Darkness, unstable weather, wind and all makes it challenging. But our training, best aircraft, technology and equipment make things easy," added Al Hosani, who is working with the NSRC for 14 years and also a rescue instructor.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 
 

• Abu Dhabi

Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar is a versatile journalist who explores every beat in Abu Dhabi with an insatiable curiosity. He loves uncovering stories that are informative and help readers form their own opinions.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com