Saudi Red Crescent Authority

[WTEngel]

I would not count on overtime. I am not saying it isn't available, but it does have to be approved first.

The only thing you can count on is what they offer you in your contract. I would not come over with the anticipation that you will be making any more or any less than that.

As I said before, there may be overtime available, but the idea you have of working constantly while over here may be a little optimistic.

I would say the best reason for coming over here is for the experience. You get good medical and trauma experience. You also make a fair wage, especially considering the provided housing and lack of income taxation.

TE

 

[dtrojan07]

Saudi Life?

First i would like to reply to my own thread the other day about missing papers... JUST so every knows the Saudi Embassy in DC will be keeping the letter from the police to state a clean background.. ALSO when they say they want it sealed ...SEALED = Notary stamp AKA seal
I still am missing all my reference letters and i deploy next week! Grrrrrrrrrr

OK, Can anyone tell me about customs i should probably know besides the heel of the foot thing...Like I understand there is a public dress code? Is it true that it is forbidden to wear shorts and/or tank tops in public? ALSO is it true that any public display of religious pendents such as crosses or Star of David you could be arrested and possibly flogged? True?
What about the "Chop Chop Square" I've been hearing about..Is that for real and is it true anyone can come to watch the punishments being handed out..LOL PUN intended h34r:

ALSO a couple of questions for Travis...Why does the swimming pool look half empty? or half full? lol Is the pavement around the compound smooth enough and long enough for roller bladding? Is there a work out area there?
Any luck on the hunt for a motorcycle? Should I bring you a Bedazzeler Kit? Find any used Harleys?
ALSO wanted to ask you about your Air-card..is it a USB type or PCI slot type? Are you still happy with that?

Thanks all...Be Safe!

 

[WTEngel]

Customs is a breeze. Don't bring anything that is illegal according to Saudi Law. This includes alcohol and pornography, or anything that could be considered pornography. The best advice I can give you is that if you feel like it is questionable, leave it at home. Get here and find out, and then you can have it mailed if it is ok.

Bibles, crosses, and other religious symbols are not allowed for public display and neither is proselytizing. I know a few other guys who have packed a small bible for private use into their checked items. Islam is the official religion and public practice of other religions is against the law. The embassy does have a christian church service on Fridays that you will be allowed to attend if you choose.

The public dress code is conservative. You are not supposed to show your knees. The best and most respectful practice is to wear long pants and a shirt. Short sleeves are fine, however tank tops are not conservative and not allowed. The shoulders and top of your arms should be covered at a minimum. Women must wear an abaya and should always carry with them a scarf or other device to cover their heads if the muttawa should request them to do so, however this is rare. It is only compulsory for muslim females to cover their face with a veil, so this is not a concern for western women, however, as I pointed out in the previous sentence, western females should be prepared to cover their head if they are requested to do so.

The swimming pool looks half empty because it was in fact half empty. They just got it fixed this week, so it is good to go. There is a small workout room with two treadmills, and elliptical, and a trampoline. Not exactly a gym, but if you are desperate you can find a way to work out there.

There is actually an official Harley dealer in Riyadh, but why anyone would ever ride a Harley, EVER, is beyond me...I am a BMW guy myself...

The bedazzler will not be necessary. I am likely to rent a car this month, and look into purchasing next month or the month after. Rental is relatively inexpensive, so no worries....

TE

 

[ExpatMedic0]

Travis,

Regarding the other 2 questions from Armor and the other poster...

1. What is the power situation like there? Do we need converters? If so what kind and should we bring them with us or buy them there?

2. What about the famous "Chop Chop" square, is that a rumor or do they really chop peoples hands off and stuff for stealing for the public as entertainment?

PS: I talked to Sarah again today, they want a copy of my high school diploma so I am getting that sent, I have an appointment in the passport office in Seattle next Wednesday... so things are looking good for me.

I think the physical might slow me down a week or 2 due to the money I need to pay for it.

 

[WTEngel]

Any international power adapter will work over here. The outlets come in 110 and 220, and will accept the two prong US plug. The only two US plugs it will not accept are the three prong (standard two prong with a ground post) and the two prong where one prong is slightly wider than the other...so any standard US plug that has two prongs that are the same width...there are plenty of adapters available in every store over here, so I would maybe purchase one or two for travel and buy more over here if necessary.

Chop chop square is no longer active, any executions are taken care of in private. Hands and other limbs are rarely cut off for theft, except in rare circumstances for repeat severe offenders. Why you guys are so interested in that worries me a bit...but I suppose that's your business!

TE

 

[rhousewa]

Chop Square

Maybe some of the people on here would just like to give everybody a hand with things?

 

[WTEngel]

I was incorrect...

I was incorrect, I attempted to edit my post, but it was too late.

Executions are still public, but no longer occur in chop chop square. They occur in more local venues, I am not sure where, and I am not sure when.

Sorry about that....but props to me for correcting it within 5 minutes!

TE

 

[dtrojan07]

I was incorrect, I attempted to edit my post, but it was too late.

Executions are still public, but no longer occur in chop chop square. They occur in more local venues, I am not sure where, and I am not sure when.

Sorry about that....but props to me for correcting it within 5 minutes!

TE

Yeah i heard they drain half the blood and sedate them first..so it is not so messy!

 

[dtrojan07]

Uniform??

Travis still waiting to see your custom tailor uniform? Any picks to post?
What about rollerblades on the compound, is it large enough and payment smooth enough for a good workout there?

 

[Hoppymedic]

I just found out I got a buddy on the ground over there that I was in the army with... that is wierd but will be cool to get over there and start working... hey travis, how long from boots on the ground to actually getting on shift is it taking... was just curious...

 

[ACP/AUS.JE81]

Hi

Hey guys

I have been following your thread for some time now. A friend and myself are both Advanced Care Paramedics in QLD Australia, we have both just recently started our application Process with SRCA.

Initially we applied to Action Aviation, but alas have no flight experience. So was wondering if any one who may be already over there could help us out by answering a few of our questions.

We are looking to broaden our eperience, and possibly upskill in the process. Does anyone know what clinical proceedures, the guys over there are able to perform, and what Pharmacology they are carrying if any.

We heard a whisper they are not carrying any medications. Hopefully this is inaccurate.

 

[dtrojan07]

Hey guys

I have been following your thread for some time now. A friend and myself are both Advanced Care Paramedics in QLD Australia, we have both just recently started our application Process with SRCA.

Initially we applied to Action Aviation, but alas have no flight experience. So was wondering if any one who may be already over there could help us out by answering a few of our questions.

We are looking to broaden our eperience, and possibly upskill in the process. Does anyone know what clinical proceedures, the guys over there are able to perform, and what Pharmacology they are carrying if any.

We heard a whisper they are not carrying any medications. Hopefully this is inaccurate.

First thing you have to keep in mind is the ALS or ACLS, as most of us know it is fairly new in the middle east. I know in Kuwait they are using a glorified BLS meaning they do IVs...As A high percentage of what they see is dehydration.
Almost the same thing in Saudi a Upgraded BLS. From what I understand about Saudi is a large amout on trauma and if you think about it most trauma is BLS as the saying goes BLS before ALS. Travis can tell you more about the runs and system..BUT we will need to hit the streets there with a open mind, the ability to adapt, overcome,move on and improve! So, debriefing and networking will go along way to improve the system!

 

[Bflyer]

i have been reading and hearing about this air ambulance start up in Riyadh. Can anyone tell me how many helos they are operating now and has anyone heard of them starting a fixed wing service?

Great info on this thread, thanks everyone.

 

[strattamatter]

Anybody aware of the possibility of getting posted anywhere other than Riyadh? I completed my "Employment Form" today, and had so sign acknowledging that.... "I shall work according to SRCA's choice of place". On that note, my wife wants to come with me but doesn't want to be bored out of her mind. She is a teacher now, and considering the possibility of finding a teaching contract so we can both work while we are there. If she finds a job in Riyadh, and I end up elsewhere, well...that would defeat the purpose.

 

[dtrojan07]

Anybody aware of the possibility of getting posted anywhere other than Riyadh? I completed my "Employment Form" today, and had so sign acknowledging that.... "I shall work according to SRCA's choice of place". On that note, my wife wants to come with me but doesn't want to be bored out of her mind. She is a teacher now, and considering the possibility of finding a teaching contract so we can both work while we are there. If she finds a job in Riyadh, and I end up elsewhere, well...that would defeat the purpose.

I will try to answer your question the best i can..others may have more info..This is a brand new program with flight and ground operations..when i started this process they have not any developed protocals..So the first people in country will work in Riyadh and to put into prospective for you Riyadh community has about 500,000 more people in it than the Chicago area..So you can imagine the major undertaken we have gotten ourselves into.
NOW, with that said from what i have been told there are some 200+ people in the application process now..as people get in country the long term objective is to expand and to set up international task forces to respond to disasters such as Haiti.. But those are things passed on to me in conversation with SRCA HR people..
There is something that everyone really needs to remember as they go through this process..SRCA is our Sponsor Most of the Red Tape we have all struggled with is beyound their control..such as the VISA process we are dealing with the Embassy. They seem to be very picky who they let into thier country.
Here is a good link that may help you and your wife there are many job posting on there..but also keep in mind that women are NOT allowed to drive in Saudi
http://www.expatriates.com/classifieds/riy/

 

[dtrojan07]

i have been reading and hearing about this air ambulance start up in Riyadh. Can anyone tell me how many helos they are operating now and has anyone heard of them starting a fixed wing service?

Great info on this thread, thanks everyone.

Here is a link to a page that may answer your questions
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentID=2009102652644

 

[ExpatMedic0]

Hey Guys,

REALLY good question about if the service is BLS or not and whats available to us.

I emailed Jay from AA and asked him what equipment and meds are being used on the air and ground service. I also asked about protocols. If he does not post his answer on the forum Ill copy and paste his email reply here.

See you all soon!

- Mike

 

[helimedic39]

about the protocols, i can say they are similar to that of the U.S. We will be doing RSI, all the invasive skills as a medic would be doing here state side.

 

[ExpatMedic0]

Hey Heli who did you hear that from? Last we herd on this forum a couple months back from an SRCA employee was that where no protocols yet. I have also herd rumors from multiple people on here that there are no meds and that any equipment beyond BLS is very limited.

It sounds like all this is changing all the time and things might be showing up now?

 

[helimedic39]

Hey schulz, I was emailed all the protocols by action aviation. Everything for adults and peds from trauma to medical. It states all the medications to be used in protocols and we also received an RSI protocol. This would have been within the last 3 weeks i'd say.