Makkah, January 29, 2024, Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) strategically placed throughout the Holy Mosque of Makkah were employed on 19 occasions in 2023 by visitors, volunteers, or mosque personnel. Crucial in medical emergencies, fifteen AEDs are strategically located – five at the main gates, five in the Tawaf (circumambulation area of the Holy Kaaba), and five in the third expansion of the Holy Mosque. These devices play a vital role in saving lives, particularly in cases of cardiac arrest, as they administer a controlled electric current to restore a normal heartbeat. The deployment of AEDs, alongside comprehensive medical and ambulance services, is an integral component of the holistic care system provided by authorities. This system aims to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors, promptly address any health emergencies, and deliver necessary care when required at Makkah's Holy Mosque.
