- JEDDAH: Volunteers will be allowed to participate in rescue operations, according to the General Directorate of the Civil Defense.
- The directorate called on those who are interested in voluntarily offering their services during times of calamity to register their names via its website (www.998.gov.sa).
“The Civil Defense has an office to welcome volunteers, both Saudis and expatriates, at any time. This is on the basis of a special statute for volunteers approved by Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Prince Naif in 2001,” Assistant Director General of Training and Planning Brig. Muhammad Al-Qarni said on Monday.
The Civil Defense’s decision follows a circular issued by Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs Prince Muhammad bin Naif last year, permitting voluntary service in line with Civil Defense statutes.
Saudi citizen Saeed Al-Ghamdi welcomed the ruling.
“Saudis are interested in humanitarian service, particularly rescuing lives. This mentality manifested itself when floods hit Hail recently,” he said.
Abdullah Al-Mutairy, another Saudi, said he was always ready to volunteer for any emergency situation at any time.
“However, we should be trained to participate in rescue operations involving serious injuries,” he said.
