Col. Abdul Rahman Al-Thaqfi, commander of the Civil Defense mission at the Grand Mosque, said the nine units have been deployed around the clock for emergencies, especially taking care of pilgrims who suffer from exhaustion or serious health problems.

“Members of the units have been well-trained to handle emergency situations and undertake medical evacuations, especially in busy areas in the Grand Mosque, including the Mataf and the Masa’a,” said Al-Thaqfi.

He added that the nine units consist of over 650 personnel, equipped with over 100 ambulances and other facilities.

Fahd Al-Shamri, another Civil Defense official at the Grand Mosque, said members of the force are able to offer first aid to pilgrims. “Only those who need further treatment will be taken to hospitals or health centers, and that is in cooperation with the concerned agencies, including security forces at the Grand Mosque and the Red Crescent Society,” he said.

Ahmad Al-Ghamdi, another official, said forces have to cope with a Herculean task of attending numerous emergency cases during the Haj days, especially the three days after the Day of Arafat.

“The forces have to take some five to 10 pilgrims who sustain injuries or health complications while performing rituals at the Grand Mosque in an hour during the Haj season. But these cases would reach up to 25 in an hour due to the large crowds during the Haj days,” he said, adding that most of these cases involve elderly and sick people who suffer exhaustion.