Dubai Police aims to enhance the readiness of rescue and ambulance teams to advanced levels.
- Seven challenging scenarios simulate dangerous incidents.
- Nine participating teams, including seven from within the country and two from other countries.
Under the patronage of His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the UAE Rescue Challenge 2024 kicked off today, Monday, at the Al Ruwayyah Training Field in Dubai.
Organized by the General Department of Transport and Rescue, in collaboration with the World Rescue Organization (WRO), the challenge will run until February 14th, featuring the participation of nine teams, including seven from the UAE and two from other countries.
The inaugural day of the challenge was graced by the presence of H.E Major General Dr Muhammad Nasser Abdul Razzaq Al Razooqi, Acting Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs; H.E Major General Ali Atiq Bin Lahej, Acting Assistant Commandant for Ports Affairs; H.E Major General Dr. Saleh Abdullah Murad, Director General Department of Human Resources; H.E Major General Rashid Khalifa Al Falasi, Director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency; and Brigadier Expert Juma Ahmed bin Darwish Al Falasi, Acting Director of the General Department of the Transport and Rescue.
Major General Dr. Muhammad Nasser Abdul Razzaq Al Razooqi emphasized that the UAE Rescue Challenge 2024 has been meticulously organized under the guidance and supervision of His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.
He added, “The challenge aims to promote knowledge-sharing, exchange experiences, and enhance rescue teams’ individual and collective performance. This is crucial due to the inherent challenges each rescue mission poses, which are influenced by various circumstances and factors.”
Meanwhile, Brigadier Expert Juma Ahmed bin Darwish Al Falasi stated, “Today, the UAE Rescue Challenge 2024 kicked off with nine teams, including seven from within the country and two from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Singapore. Through this challenge, Dubai Police aims to enhance the readiness of rescue and ambulance teams to advanced levels.”
“Thanks to the support and guidance of our leadership, Dubai Police have a highly skilled and capable professional rescue team that is among the best in handling various challenging conditions and circumstances. Our teams have demonstrated their competence and excellence through their participation in numerous demanding rescue missions both within the country and in sister nations,” he continued.
Brig. Al Falasi further indicated, “The challenge brings together an elite group of rescue teams who will participate in competitions and face scenarios that simulate real-life situations encountered by rescuers and paramedics. They will be presented with on-the-ground scenarios to demonstrate their proficiency in overcoming obstacles swiftly and professionally. The winning team for each scenario will be evaluated based on several criteria, with the primary criterion being the record time taken to complete the rescue mission.”
7 Scenarios
On the first day of the challenge, Colonel Khaled Al Hammadi, Director of the Search and Rescue Department, remarked, “The weather conditions and rainfall served as additional factors that heightened the competition among the teams and replicated the real-life challenges faced during rescue missions. The first day featured seven highly complex scenarios, fostering a competitive atmosphere that allowed us to observe and appreciate the participating teams’ methods, skills, and capabilities.”
Col. Al Hammadi explained that the teams participating on the first day included Dubai Police Rescue Teams 1 and 2, Abu Dhabi Civil Defense, Sharjah Civil Defense, Ras Al Khaimah Police, and two teams from the General Directorate of Civil Defense.”
Challenge Competitions
Col. Al Hammadi highlighted that the challenge includes both standard and complex rescue scenarios. “The team’s goal is to carry out a focused operation to rescue individuals trapped in a vehicle while prioritizing the safety of all involved. Each team comprises six members equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to execute the mission efficiently. The team comprises an incident commander, technical rescue team members, and medical rescue team members,” he further explained.
Editors-Note
On the sidelines of the challenge, Major General Ali Atiq Bin Lahej, Acting Assistant Commandant for Ports Affairs, met with several participants, emphasizing the importance of self-challenge. He stated, “Before facing any external challenge, overcoming the challenges within ourselves is crucial. Through continuous self-improvement, rescuers develop their character. Training, preparation, and participation in competitions provide valuable opportunities for enhancing performance. I encourage everyone to embrace a positive competitive spirit and maintain a high focus to carry out missions effectively. We, Dubai Police, take immense pride in the dedication and efforts of all participants.”
