Emergency Medical Services

Introduction

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was established concurrently with the creation of PRCS in the Diaspora during the 1960s. They accompanied Palestinians in times of hardships and aggressions such as the war in Lebanon in 1982 as well as through recurrent aggressions during Al Aqsa Intifada and the latest war on Gaza.

EMS constitutes essential health services provided by PRCS to Palestinian citizens and all individuals in need under normal and extraordinary conditions. Considering the importance of this humanitarian service, PRCS was entrusted by the Palestinian National Authority in 1996, by virtue of a presidential decree, with full responsibility for these services in the West Bank and Gaza. EMS services are offered by PRCS 24/7 through the 101 hotline.

PRCS emergency services now encompass 14 main centers, including one in East Jerusalem, and 26 subsidiary centers in the OPT. These centers are currently assisted by a fleet of 140 ambulances and are manned by 348 paramedics and 200 volunteers. Moreover, PRCS runs its own EMS Institute, which is unique in Palestine and is specialized in providing EMS training to prepare basic and general paramedics through its two branches in Al Bireh and Gaza. PRCS is currently working on providing paramedic training to prepare advanced paramedics at this Institute.

EMS staff constantly respect the principles of the International Movement even if they come under attack in the line of duty. Since September 2000, a total of 18 PRCS emergency medical technicians and volunteers have fallen in the line of duty.