How Dubai Police officers race against time to save lives in under 3 minutes

Dubai Police

For Sergeant Muhammad Ateeq, a dedicated first responder in Dubai, every moment on the job is a critical battle against time. “The moment we receive reports from the operations room, we become first responders and decision-makers. We need to respond within 2 minutes and 45 seconds,” Sgt Ateeq shared with Khaleej Times, highlighting the intense pressure and formidable challenges faced by the police's emergency response team.

Responding to Critical Situations

In many instances, the lives of individuals hang in the balance. Sgt Ateeq, stationed at Rashidiya Police Station, elaborated, “We receive all types of dangerous reports, including murder, kidnapping, serious accidents, or major fires — all these require immediate attention.” Since joining the force in 2009, Sgt Ateeq’s commitment and exceptional service have not gone unnoticed; in May, he was recognized as one of the top patrol officers for the first quarter of the year.

Acts of Bravery

While the primary mission is to save lives, the safety of the officers themselves is also paramount. “In the event of an accident, we must protect ourselves first, but then be attentive to every detail,” Sgt Ateeq emphasized. Recently, Officer Adel Ahmed Mohammed Ghareeb from Bur Dubai Police Station demonstrated extraordinary courage by entering a burning car to rescue a trapped driver. Reflecting on the incident, Officer Ghareeb said, “I consider myself to have saved someone’s life at that time.” This heroic act left Ghareeb with a torn ankle ligament as he exited the vehicle.

Currently, Officer Ghareeb is taking a break from fieldwork to recover from his injury, temporarily handling a desk job. He expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support from Dubai Police, noting, “They provided me with access to the most qualified doctors in government and police hospitals.”

Maintaining Composure Under Stress

Racing against the clock is merely one aspect of the job; maintaining composure and multi-tasking in high-pressure situations is another significant challenge. Sgt Ateeq recalled an incident where a distressed father, upset after an accident involving his son’s car, became confrontational. “He was trying to evacuate his son and fighting us,” Sgt Ateeq recounted. “In this work, you must be very calm, no matter how difficult the situation is.” The team managed to calm the father, reassuring him that they were doing everything in their power to save his son.

Training for All Scenarios

Dubai Police officers undergo rigorous training to prepare for every conceivable scenario. Sgt Ateeq explained, “As the first patrol to reach the scene, we know how to determine emergency needs.” The training ensures that officers can effectively handle the diverse and often dangerous situations they encounter. “For us, one person does the job of seven people,” Sgt Ateeq remarked, underlining the multifaceted nature of their duties. “Fieldwork is very difficult and dangerous, but we must remain calm and compassionate, even in the most stressful situations.”

Support and Recognition

The dedication and bravery of Dubai Police officers are recognized and supported by the organization. Officer Ghareeb’s experience with his injury and subsequent recovery highlights the comprehensive care and backing provided by Dubai Police. This support system ensures that officers can perform their duties with the assurance that their well-being is prioritized.

A Lifesaving Mission

For first responders like Sgt Ateeq and Officer Ghareeb, every second counts in their mission to save lives. The stories of their bravery and the rigorous training they undergo underscore the critical role they play in maintaining public safety. Despite the inherent risks and the high-pressure environment, these officers remain committed to their duty, embodying the values of courage, compassion, and resilience.

The dedication of Dubai Police’s emergency response team exemplifies the extraordinary efforts taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Their ability to respond swiftly and effectively, often within mere minutes, makes a significant difference in life-threatening situations, showcasing the critical importance of their role in society.