New choppers boost Civil Defense service
Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Harbi, commander of Civil Defense, walks past one of the helicopters owned by the force at the air base outside Makkah. (AN photo)
Published: Sep 8, 2010 23:59 Updated: Sep 8, 2010 23:59
JEDDAH: The Interior Ministry has provided Civil Defense with the most advanced helicopters available in the world, said Maj. Gen. Muhammad Al-Harbi, commander of Civil Defense.
Speaking to Arab News, he said the newly purchased helicopters are designed to fly in any weather conditions. “They are also equipped with thermal cameras,” said Al-Harbi.
The new Sikorsky S-434 helicopters are used for different purposes such as reconnaissance and training while S-76 helicopters are used for search, rescue, first aid and firefighting and S-92 for support services.
The S-434 helicopter introduces a whole new level of flight performance. With a four-bladed rotor system, increased power and a larger fuel tank, the S-434 helicopter can fly farther and faster while having a larger useful load than its predecessor.
“All these advanced helicopters have been provided with necessary equipment to carry out the required missions such as firefighting and rescue operation,” the general pointed out.
“We also have trained medical personnel to provide first aid services,” Al-Harbi said, adding that they would be equipped with artificial respiration systems, electric shockers and other medical devices.
He said eight helicopters are taking part in Civil Defense missions in Makkah during Ramadan. “These choppers will also be used to monitor traffic on roads and take accident casualties to hospitals,” he said.
Al-Harbi said the eight helicopters currently in service in Makkah have made 55 flights taking more than 82 hours.
He disclosed plans to establish a Civil Defense air base in the holy sites with a capacity to accommodate more than 15 helicopters. “Work on this base will start shortly,” Al-Harbi said.
He also disclosed plans to establish a similar base in Madinah. At present there are four bases in different provinces: Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province and Asir.
Col. Muhammad Al-Zahrani, commander of the Civil Defense base in Makkah province, said the base has specialized officers including pilots, engineers and administrators and first-aid personnel.
“These officers have received advanced training inside and outside the Kingdom,” Al-Zahrani pointed out.
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