Saudi Red Crescent Authority

[2easy4u]

Goals

My children are raised but struggling to go to college. My wife and I started a small bakery in 2007. The economy crashed and the bakery didn't make it. It would have been really good info if good ole W would have admitted we were in fact in a recession before I went into debt. Luckily we did not go completely bankrupt, we just closed the door and paid for everything. And we are still paying. But I'm not bitter or anything. I would like to have a short discussion with W and **** about what they were thinking. But that is water under the bridge.
Basically I am very comfortable where I am. I don't have to go. It would make it easier, but is not required.

 

[falcon-18]

So are they already flying missions with the helicopters? I did not think they had started yet.

How long have the helicopters been operational?

hello,,
this news tow days ago from now. I think there is some helicopters. as I know it will start in deember... I do not have clear time for it :unsure: . sorry .
:sad:

what is this rule? What do you mean by CRM,PELA 51%?

My wife wants to go with me, but doesn't want to be home all day she rather work. What I understood is that your wife stays only as a visitor, because she doesnt have the work visa. Does anyone has more info? People that bring family with them, what do you think?

hello,

no, she can works here in KSA, I know some women work here in hospital and in SRCA in General Administration of self-employment. I think they are from south africa and australia, I am not sure if there is some from germany. in hospital I saw from US,UK,philipin,China,INDIA,PAKISTAN,GERMANY.... there is too much but you should re-ask about work for in KSA.

 

[zstop14]

Thanks for the reply Falcon, I am definitely excited to be coming to KSA and partnering with the nationals to get the helicopter EMS system up and running. I received my contract today, and they are offering me a position as a flight medic. Once I get my medical and visa clearance, I should be on a plane. I am thinking around the 1st of the year...

Now, as far as females working in EMS...

I have heard different rumors about different hospital based ambulance services considering female staff for Ob-Gyn calls and other types of calls where a female patient being treated by a male practitioner would not be possible with respect to Islamic religious and moral beliefs.

Now as far as going over there as a "queer", like you so eloquently put it, that would not be possible given their moral stance on homosexuality.

The Saudi Red Crescent seems to be trying to put together a really top notch helicopter EMS system, with up to 28 helicopters nation wide and 6 fixed wing ambulances. The pay is competitive and from what my contract says, they seem to be treating their expats well. I am definitely enthusiastic to get over there and learn as much as I can about the culture while helping those in need. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience...

Anybody else in the application process?

Hello I am a Critical Care Paramedic from Indiana. I have recently received my job offer from Saudi Red Crescent as a Paramedic in Riyadh. Where will you be working at and do you have any helpful information for me? Have you heard anything about their So's and what medications they carry?

 

[WTEngel]

In regards to the poster asking about if his wife can work, that is not possible if she is coming over with a visitor visa attached to your iqama. Basically the only people who can work in Saudi are citizens, and those with a work visa.

In order for your wife to work, she would need to stay here in the states, apply with a company in Saudi that will hire her and then send her a letter of authorization just as you are getting from SRCA, and then apply for a work visa in the same manner that you are now. Once she is over in Saudi on a visitor or family visa, or any visa other than a work visa for that matter, she will not be allowed to hold employment of any kind. This is what I have learned from the other forums and research I have done, so it may not be 100% accurate, but I believe it to be so.

As far as medications and protocols, I don't think anyone has been made aware of those yet, last I heard they were still being finalized. The protocols will be different than the gorund service, for obvious reasons. This being a new program and all, things are in a state of change as they work out the kinks in preparation for launch.

 

[falcon-18]

Hello I am a Critical Care Paramedic from Indiana. I have recently received my job offer from Saudi Red Crescent as a Paramedic in Riyadh. Where will you be working at and do you have any helpful information for me? Have you heard anything about their So's and what medications they carry?

heloo, and welcome to work here in KSA. we do not have a clear protocol now, because they are a new protocol in the next months. but I think it will not have a big change, it is emergency medication as every protocol.

falcon-18(omar)

 

[calimedic]

Saudi Red Crescent

SRCS is starting up a air medical service. I have two friends who have gone over in November. They need both Air and ground based medic's.

It will be a huge challange. Saudi has on of the highest accident death rates in the world. The housing I am told is first rate and the pay is good.

SRCS has contracted with Action Aviation out of the UK to run the air medical service.

A good book about Saudi is called "Paramedic to the Prince" About an American paramedic that worked in Saudi for about ten years. A great read. Gives you a real inside look into the country.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

falcon or anyone else who knows,
As a ground Paramedic for SRCA I hear we are partners with a saudi EMT-B? Also, do you we share the driving the of the ambulance or does he do most of that?

 

[calimedic]

Saudi Red Crescent

You won't be asked to drive. you could get paired with an EMT from any number of countries. I am sure you should be paired with an arbic speaker. In the cities english is spoken by some. The majority of Saudi's don't speak much english.

I know some won't agree and say most Saudi's speak english. But from my experience it helps to learn some basic arabic.


" wayne Alum" where does it hurt
" lotta Harrick" Dont move
theres the arabic lesson for today..

 

[NJmedic3250]

falcon or anyone else who knows,
As a ground Paramedic for SRCA I hear we are partners with a saudi EMT-B? Also, do you we share the driving the of the ambulance or does he do most of that?

As per Dr Nakiti, you are paired with an EMT B/ driver/ translator who has a good knowledge of the city's streets. My assumption is that this EMT will be Saudi. In addition, you will have a BLS ambulance on every scene.

 

[rhousewa]

From everything I have learned NJmedic3250 is correct in his last post. I might add this, we foreign medics will be in a quick response vehicle (QRV) and will co respond with the BLS ambulance on calls. Got this from Omar (falcon-18) and Dr. Nakity and I am comfortable with their knowledge on this topic. Jeff

 

[WTEngel]

I also have heard the same info on the ground crews, as far as ALS responders are in a quick response vehicle with a Saudi EMT partner, rendezvousing with a BLS ambulance, where the determination will be made by the ALS crew to either hop on the BLS unit and provide ALS care to the hospital, or to allow the BLS crew to continue transport providing BLS care, and the paramedic clears the scene to go to the next call.

Also, I have received some positive information regarding my work visa status. I was informed today that my visa should be ready on December 16th. This is a turnaround time of 6 business days. The travel agent led me to believe it might take 3 to 4 weeks, so I am pretty happy to hear this. I guess the travel agent underpromised and overdelivered...which is always great to hear.

The travel agent told me that she did not coordinate the airplane tickets, and that once I had my visa approved, I needed to contact my handler with the SRCA and arrange travel with them.

My advice to anyone who may be fixing to send off your work visa paperwork, make sure EVERYTHING is in order. Every i dotted and every t crossed. If there is any question, call and ask before you send it. It is much better to be delayed a week in sending the paperwork to make sure everything is right, rather than send paperowkr that is not filled out appropriately, as that will likely delay you for 2 weeks or more.

I don't know if this made a difference or not, but I arranged my paperwork in 4 seperate envelopes inside the packet I mailed. One envelope contained my passport. The second contained everything regarding my professional licensure (registrar letter, transcript, letter from certifuing agency, and diploma.) The third envelope contained all of my visa paperwork, which included my visa application, medical report in triple form with labs attached, authorization letter, and signed contract. The fourth envelope contained my personal refernces and employment verification letters.

I feel like organizing this way may have really helped the travel agent in organizing it to send to the embassy.

Anyway, if anyone else has any additional info to add, mark it down. It looks like my bags are nearly packed!

 

[2easy4u]

Thanks

Thanks WT.

I should get the packet next week. It looks like you found the right combination. I will use that info when I send my stuff in. I want to see what is in the contract. I don't expect any surprises. I have spoken to Dr Nakity,and one of the pilots. They were very helpful and reassured my on safety. If everything works out I should see you over there pretty soon.

 

[WTEngel]

Also, I came onto two photos of the new helicopters. They are outstanding airframes, and they look great!

 

[j_commspec]

I have submitted my resume for the Comm. Spec. position. Maybe someday we will be talking to each other. I have 16 years experience as a comm. spec. This sounds very interesting.
I have read your entire thread. I will not make you repeat yourself.
Thanks for all of the info so far.

 

[WTEngel]

That's great. I haven't talked to anyone going as a comm specialist yet. Is all of your experience with ground crews, or do you work with a flight service?

 

[McLenin]

good job

congrats WTE, send us pictures of the housing once u arrive.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

WTE,
Stay in touch if possible once you have boots on the ground over there. I bet it could be a lot of help to many of us behind. Goodluck!

 

[ExpatMedic0]

PS: here is some extra reading material
http://americanbedu.com/2009/11/11/saudi-arabia-and-transition-of-an-australian-family/

 

[McLenin]

Do I need to send any money with my application? What was the total cost of the medical exam with labs?

 

[j_commspec]

costs

I have not heard of any costs at this point. Are there any other comm. specs applying.