Emergency Medical Services (EMS) represent a critical component of the healthcare system, often serving as the first point of contact for individuals experiencing medical emergencies. In Saudi Arabia, EMS has undergone significant growth and transformation over the past decade. Key developments include the establishment of specialized university and college programs for EMS education, the transition from a post-employment first aid training model to a structured pre-employment bachelor’s degree system, and the provision of government-sponsored scholarships for advanced training abroad. Additionally, EMS has gained formal recognition and accreditation as a professional field, enhancing its credibility and standards of practice. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) plays a central role in delivering pre-hospital care and patient transport services across the country, with responsibility covering most regions. These advancements have contributed to improving the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of emergency care services. Despite this progress, challenges remain in ensuring uniform service delivery, workforce distribution, and continuous professional development. This study explores the growth and transformation of paramedic services within the broader EMS framework in Saudi Arabia, highlighting key achievements, ongoing challenges, and opportunities for future development. The findings aim to provide insights that can inform policy decisions, strengthen training frameworks, and enhance the overall effectiveness of emergency medical response systems in the Kingdom.
Al-Dossari et al. (Tue,) studied this question.