(Credit - National Ambulance)
Call 998: Your Guide to UAE Ambulance Services
In a medical emergency, every second counts. Knowing which number to call and what information to provide can help emergency responders reach you faster. Whether you’re a UAE resident or visiting the country as a tourist, here’s what you need to know about using ambulance services in the UAE.
If you need an ambulance anywhere in the UAE, call 998. Another number that you can call for all emergencies is 999, and the operations room will coordinate the response to your location. The emergency line is available 24 hours a day across all emirates. In serious cases, emergency authorities may also deploy an air ambulance if it is medically required.
Ambulance services are available to everyone in the UAE, including UAE citizens, residents, and tourists. For residents, ambulance services are covered under UAE health insurance, including basic health insurance plans. However, the emergency response is provided for free to any individual, regardless of whether or not you have insurance. Once the emergency stabilization phase is complete, any further treatment will need to be paid for, either covered by your insurance or paid for out-of-pocket.
When calling the ambulance, it’s essential to provide all the critical details emergency responders need to reach you as early as possible. The Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) advises people to follow the C-LINE method to ensure they give all the necessary details to the operations room. The C-LINE method includes:
- C, Chief complaint: Explain why you are calling.
- L, Location: Give your exact location, including area, building or villa name, apartment or villa number, nearby landmarks, and floor number.
- I, Incident: Describe exactly what happened.
- N, Number of casualties: How many people have been injured?
- E, Extent of injuries: Explain how serious the injuries appear to be and mention any important medical information.
For UAE residents and tourists, knowing the correct procedures for calling an ambulance can make all the difference in an emergency. By following the C-LINE method and having the necessary information ready, you can help emergency responders reach you faster and provide the best possible care.
Next steps:
- Save the UAE ambulance number, 998, in your phone for emergency situations.
- Download the ‘Dubai Ambulance’ app to access the free online course on emergency response.
- Make sure you have the necessary information ready when calling the ambulance, including your location and the nature of the emergency.
