Saudi Arabia adopts national first-aid safety policy for public spaces and workplaces

Saudi Arabia has adopted a national policy designed to make lifesaving equipment, trained first responders and emergency assistance more readily available in public spaces and workplaces. The Cabinet-approved framework was published in the official gazette on 4 September.

The policy assigns public and private bodies responsibility for providing automated defibrillators and first-aid kits in suitable numbers and locations. It also calls for enough staff training to ensure that at least one qualified worker is available within a reasonable area whenever a public venue is operating. Higher priority is given to busy or higher-risk settings such as sports facilities, major gathering places and care facilities for older people.

Coverage extends across locations including schools, universities, mosques, parks, beaches, shopping centres, restaurants, airports and public transport. Supervising bodies are also expected to keep access routes clear for emergency teams and prevent delays caused by internal approval procedures.

The framework supports legal protection for first responders who act in good faith, within their training and without negligence. It also encourages electronic systems that can alert registered responders based on proximity and help callers locate nearby defibrillators. The Saudi Red Crescent Authority will oversee the policy, while relevant bodies will implement it in public places and workplaces and assess its health effects.