A Civil Defense helicopter hovers above the Grand Mosque to monitor the safety and security situation in the Haram. — SPA RIYADH – The Civil Defense will increase the number of aircraft dealing with emergency cases during Ramadan, said Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Eid Al-Harbi, Commander of Civil Defense Air Force. “Five highly advanced aircraft will participate in rescue, first-aid and firefighting operations,” he said. “There have been 38 short flights, with a total of 74 total flying hours, to monitor security situations on roads and highways leading to Makkah.” The decision to increase the number of aircraft shows the government's determination to provide Makkah pilgrims with all necessary services to make their pilgrimage comfortable and easy, Al-Harbi added. “The Civil Defense is ready to respond to any emergency and mitigate its impact,” he said. “We will support and help Civil Defense teams on the ground perform their tasks.” Civil Defense uses two types of modern aircraft, both of which can perform tasks with precision, maneuver easily and fly in severe weather conditions, Al-Harbi explained. “The aircraft are equipped with night-vision devices, lightning detectors and wireless-communication technology,” he said. The aircraft are equipped to deal with emergencies in tall towers and buildings, and to provide first-aid and medical-evacuation services, Al-Harbi said. Those services are provided by medical personnel who can deal with all types of medical cases, he added.
