Dubai Police’s Air Wing rescues exhausted British mountaineer in Hatta

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

While hiking in the Hatta mountains, a British tourist who suffered severe exhaustion and high blood pressure was rescued by Dubai Police's Air Wing and the Brave Squad.

The operation was prompted by an emergency alert received about the tourist, who was unable to move and in urgent need of helicopter evacuation due to the challenging terrain, which could have taken up to 4 hours to descend on foot.

Pilot Colonel Ali Al Muhairi, director of the Dubai Police Air Wing Centre, explained that upon receiving the alert from Dubai Police's Brave Squad in Hatta, they dispatched a helicopter commanded by Pilot Colonel Ahmad Al Marri and Pilot Colonel Essam Bin Hafez and equipped with a medical team from Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.

"Despite the rugged mountain terrain, the helicopter managed to reach the tourist after being provided with precise coordinates by the Brave Squad using advanced aerial navigation systems," Al Muhairi said.

Lieutenant Muhammad Obaid Al Kaabi, head of the Brave Squad, detailed their immediate deployment following the alert.

"The squad utilised drones with thermal imaging for search and rescue operations, reaching the tourist, who was found unable to walk due to severe exhaustion and high blood pressure. After providing first aid, the Brave Squad facilitated the tourist's airlift to Hatta Hospital for necessary treatment, ensuring his full recovery," he said.

‘The Brave Squad’

Al Kaabi noted that Dubai Police's Brave Squad, established in Hatta in 2018, is equipped with various mechanical devices, modified vehicles for mountainous terrain, LED flashlights, heavy equipment, and drones, enhancing their rapid response capabilities to emergencies.

He also reminded the public to contact the emergency number 999 or the SOS service on the Dubai Police app in case of emergencies in mountainous or valley areas.