108 air rescue missions in RAK this year
ras al khaimah — The air wing section of the Ras Al Khaimah Police has accomplished a total of 108 rescue missions so far this year.
These included the emergency airlifting of senior citizens from mountainous areas in the emirate, according to Group Captain Saeed Rashid Al Yamahi, head of the air wing section, RAK Police.
“These are added to search-andrescue missions, training sessions, air security patrols, along with community, humanitarian and special tasks in coordination with the Ministry of Interior. The competent and well-trained staff rescuers are ready to sacrifice their lives while protecting and securing the emirate,” Al Yamahi added.
The section is also equipped with the latest rescue tools, he said.
Recently, the RAK Police’s air wing rescue team managed to track and locate three European tourists who got lost on top of one of the highest mountains of the emirate.
“First aid and necessary medical support were delivered to the three tourists who were found exhausted at a height of 4,000 feet.”
Al Yamahi said it was impossible for an ambulance to reach the trio.
“Climbers ought to inform the authorities about their activities and whereabouts and check climbing websites to get up-to-date information on local climbing sites,” he said.
Trekkers and climbers need to first learn the basics of rock climbing before going on an adventure in the mountains, Al Yamahi said.
They are also advised to bring a means of communication, such as a mobile or satellite phone. A whistle could also be useful, he added.
“All staff rescuers are not only provided with the latest equipment but they go through regular training.
“What makes our job more difficult, when looking for a missing person here, are the insufficient or unclear information, the rough and rocky mountain areas which are hard to get to, and the unstable weather conditions, mainly the atmospheric pressures, funnel clouds and heavy showers.”
Climbers ought to inform the authorities about their activities and whereabouts and check climbing websites.” Group Captain Saeed Rashid Al Yamahi, head of air wing, RAK Police