National Ambulance recently organised a series of activities at it’s headquarter to mark the occasion of the Infection Control Week. The virtual sessions were organised with the aim of raising awareness about the significance of infection prevention and methods to curb the spread of diseases. The session also included discussions on the importance of vaccines and raising health awareness on measures to protect community members against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Taking place on an annual basis, this year's Infection Control Week is particularly important amid the ongoing efforts to combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UAE is marking the Infection Control Week with the global slogan ‘Make your intention infection prevention’. National Ambulance’s Medical Services Department and the Occupational Health and Safety unit organised multiple activities focusing on the importance of compliance with precautionary measures and infection prevention protocols to promote healthy practices such as regular hand sanitisation, covering face while coughing and sneezing, avoiding touching the eyes and mouth among others. Furthermore, the session highlighted the benefits of the seasonal influenza vaccine to enhance protection against flu and its related complications.

Public health - major priority

Ahmed Al Hajeri, the chief executive officer of National Ambulance, noted that strict compliance with infection prevention and control has shown great results in curbing the spread of COVID-19. National Ambulance has prioritised promoting public health in its efforts. This year's Infection Prevention Week provides an ideal opportunity to continue to raise awareness on important issues.

"I urge the public to remain vigilant and continue to adhere to preventive measures and precautions that are vital in ensuring successful recovery from this pandemic and a full return to normal life," Al Hajeri added.

On his part, Dr Ayman Ahmed, the chief administrative and medical officer at National Ambulance, underscored the importance of infection prevention and control during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic crisis, National Ambulance undertook strict measures and protocols of infection control and prevention such as sterilisation and disinfection efforts, isolation precautions, safe disposal of medical waste and nationwide vaccination campaign. These measures were combined with the concerted national efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 by minimising and controlling the number of infected medical staff members and protecting the health and safety of patients.

Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) supported National Ambulance’s Infection Prevention Week. In line with the occasion, SEHA, provided the seasonal influenza vaccine to National Ambulance staff at its headquarters. Various events organised by National Ambulance were sponsored by Leader Healthcare Group and Mead Medical which also provided crucial information related to measures for infection control and prevention as well as latest technologies and tools being used in this regard.

Al Hajeri explained that partnerships play crucial role in the health sector as multiple organisations come together to benefit the health and safety of the community.

"At National Ambulance, we remain as committed as ever to working with others to promote healthy living, spread awareness on life-saving first aid and promote the importance of the ambulance service," he added.

Working on the frontline

National Ambulance has been providing urgent pre-hospital care in the Northern Emirates. People in need can request the service through the dedicated 998 emergency ambulance number and NA 998 mobile application. The primary goal of the National Ambulance is to provide highest standard pre-hospital emergency medical services to patients with serious illness and injuries across the emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

With qualified ambulance crew, high-tech medical technologies and an advanced fleet, National Ambulance is ensuring the provision of necessary health care to patients, particularly in cases of emergencies, trauma and public health crises. At the same time, National Ambulance provides emergency medical services to businesses, communities, and public events across Abu Dhabi.