UAE Air Wing rescues snake-bitten man atop RAK mountain

Ras Al Khaimah - Trekkers are advised to bring a means of communication, such as a mobile or satellite phone.

The ambulance and rescue team of the air wing of Ras Al Khaimah police have rescued an Asian resident bitten by a snake atop one of the mountains in the emirate.
The incident took place on Wednesday evening, according to Wing Commander Saeed Rashid Al Yamahi, Head of the Air Wing Section.
The central operations room of the RAK Police, having been alerted of the incident around 5pm, dispatched the ambulance and rescue team to the far and rough site in a record time.
"The competent team managed to track and locate the man in his thirties, provided him with necessary first aid, and airlifted him to the hospital for treatment and medical care."
He urged all mountain goers, tourists and workers to be more cautious at these areas and take all precautionary measures for safety.
"All staff rescuers are not only provided with the latest search and rescue equipment, but go through regular training as well to be alert for rescue missions round the clock," he said.
"What makes our job more difficult when we look for a missing person here is the insufficient or unclear information, the rough, rocky, and sloppy mountainous areas," he explained.
"This makes our job harder, besides the unstable weather conditions, mainly the atmospheric pressure, funnel clouds, and heavy showers."
Major Tariq Al Sharhan, head of the ambulance and rescue section at the RAK police, said trekkers and climbers need to learn the basics of rock climbing on an indoor wall first.
"Climbers need to inform the authorities about their activities, whereabouts and number of climbers and consult climbing websites to get up-to-date information."
Trekkers are also advised to bring a means of communication, such as a mobile or satellite phone, he said.
"A whistle could also be useful to attract attention, and also take food items," he added.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ras Al Khaimah