The head of the Saudi civil defense forces at the Grand Mosque in Makkah said on Monday that his units are medically aiding around 3,000 pilgrims every day since this year’s hajj season began.
Infographic: Hajj: A spiritual journey
Most injuries are a result of falls or pilgrims slipping on staircases at the Grand Mosque, Awwad al-Sobhi said in a statement.
He also said there were also cases of exhaustion among the elderly who suffer from illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure.
According to Sobhi, civil defense units are deployed in specific areas so they can immediately intervene should a sick or injured pilgrim need assistance.
He also said there’s a plan to increase the number of stations where more units are deployed during rush hour, adding that each station is equipped with ambulances, respirators and means to transfer injured and sick pilgrims.
Sobhi noted that 850 officers and members are working during this year’s hajj season at the Grand Mosque and all surrounding sites.
He said there are also units specialized in dealing with the dangers of large crowds, and other support and medical units that work in coordination with the Saudi Red Crescent.
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