Enhancing Prehospital Emergency Care: The Evolving Role of Saudi Red Crescent Paramedics in Saving Lives

Abstract

Prehospital emergency care plays a critical role in reducing morbidity and mortality across diverse medical emergencies. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) serves as the nation’s primary provider of prehospital emergency services, deploying thousands of paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and rapid response teams across urban, rural, and remote regions. As the demand for rapid, high-quality emergency care increases due to population growth, road traffic injuries, chronic diseases, and environmental hazards, the role of Saudi Red Crescent paramedics has evolved significantly. This paper examines the expanding responsibilities, challenges, competencies, and innovations shaping paramedic practice within SRCA. It evaluates operational, organizational, and clinical factors influencing prehospital care outcomes and highlights the transformative impact of training, advanced life support systems, digital health technologies, and national policies on service delivery. The paper concludes with practical recommendations to strengthen prehospital emergency care and support paramedic professional development in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 healthcare transformation.