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Police help woman in labour reach hospital

DUBAI — A woman in labour was rushed to Al Wasl Hospital by a Dubai ambulance while another one was taken for a doctor’s appointment after both of them could not find a taxi in Jumeirah area yesterday.

Following the closure of main routes to the public for a major part of the day yesterday on account of US President George W. Bush’s visit to Dubai, several people were left stranded and unable to perform routine work.

Jemilah Al Za’aabi, head of technical operations at Dubai Unified Ambulance Centre, told Khaleej Times that they had received a call at around noon from the husband of the woman who had gone into labour and had to be rushed to hospital.

“The incident happened near Al Safa area which was cut off from the city. The woman’s husband told us that they had been waiting for a taxi for long. Finally, they had to call for an ambulance. We rushed to the spot and ferried them to Al Wasl Hospital,” Jemilah said.

The other incident also happened in the same area. “A seven-month pregnant woman had an urgent appointment with her doctor. Since she was unable to get a taxi, she called for an ambulance,” said Jemilah.

“We picked up the woman from Jumeriah Hotel and took her to Modern Hospital,” she said, adding that no major accidents were reported yesterday.

Low attendances reported in hospitals

DUBAI — Hospitals in the emirate reported a low staff attendance though the emergency rooms of most hospitals managed to cope with the patient turnout.

A source in the Emergency and Trauma Centre at Rashid Hospital said that though the staff turnout remained low overall, the emergency staff arrived early morning before the closure of roads to carry out their duties.

“No major cases were reported except for a case where a man residing in The Meadows complained of chest pain. We rushed through Shaikh Zayed Road after showing our passes,” said the source.

Eleven ambulances were also kept on standby as part of US President George W. Bush’s visit to Dubai, added the source.

“We were given a route by the Dubai Police so that our duties were not affected. We were asked to take Al Khail Road upto Al Wasl Bridge and on to Rashid Hospital,” said the source.

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