The Saudi Red Crescent Authority has played a key role in raising cardiac arrest survival rates from less than 3% to over 21% through its “First Responder” program, which aims to improve the emergency response skills of community members. The Authority continues its mission toward reaching a target rate of 40%, emphasizing that the first 8 minutes after cardiac arrest are critical to saving lives. It also succeeded in reducing the average emergency response time in Riyadh from 38 minutes in previous years to 12 minutes at the start of this year, with an aim to reach a response time of 8 minutes—highlighting the First Responder as the cornerstone of life-saving efforts during those vital early moments.

As part of this initiative, the Saudi Red Crescent Training Center in Riyadh today (Monday) hosted the first training session for leaders and staff within the national health system, focused on basic first responder skills in first aid. Notably, this session marked the first time such an invitation was extended by His Excellency Minister of Health and Chairman of the Red Crescent Board, Mr. Fahad bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, to all leaders and employees of the Ministry of Health and its affiliated entities to attend a first aid course.

This session marks the official launch of the program, which aims to equip health system personnel with the essential first aid skills that can help save lives—by God’s will.

Held at the Saudi Red Crescent Training Center in Riyadh, one of the flagship projects of the Health Transformation Program, participants received hands-on training in four core first aid skills:

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR):
   Participants learned how to effectively respond to cardiac arrest, including immediate action, alerting emergency services (997), and following guided instructions until paramedics arrive.

2. Using the AED (Automated External Defibrillator):
   Attendees learned how to operate the device, understand when and how to use it, and follow its audio instructions to help save lives in real-time.

3. Choking Relief Techniques:
   Practical training was given on how to respond when a person’s airway is obstructed, preventing oxygen from reaching vital organs.

4. Bleeding Control:
   Participants were trained on how to properly stop bleeding, recognizing that blood loss prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain, which can lead to unconsciousness or death.

The Riyadh Red Crescent Training Center, which hosted the course, is one of the most advanced simulation training facilities in the Kingdom. It is the fifth center nationwide, designed with state-of-the-art educational tools in first aid and emergency care to strengthen first responder readiness and support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030’s Health Transformation Program.

This training session is part of a broader strategy to promote public awareness and first aid education, enabling community-wide readiness to respond effectively in emergency situations. The initiative aims to increase survival rates, build confidence, and enhance crisis response capabilities across all sectors—especially before professional emergency teams arrive. It also supports the Red Crescent's mission to improve societal preparedness and enhance the collective responsibility for saving lives.

The session was attended by His Excellency the Minister of Health, Mr. Fahad Al-Jalajel, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Health, and heads of various health organizations affiliated with the national health system.