Volunteer-based emergency medical services (EMS), Lebanon

Integration of support for migrants into the services provided by the emergency medical services. This reduces the vulnerability of migrants who often do not have access to immediate basic care.

The Lebanese Red Cross provides its emergency medical services (EMS) to all people living in Lebanon, regardless of their legal status. The EMS system was established in 1945 and is the main provider of emergency services in the country. Volunteers trained by the Lebanese Red Cross are available for 24 hours 7 days a week to provide immediate medical response to individuals who call the emergency hotline 140. There are approximately 3,500 volunteers involved around the country, with 47 branches nationwide. The EMS provides a range of services, including: (i) first aid for injuries and heart attack victims, on site, at EMS centres, or at home for children and sick people; (ii) urgent transport of victims of road, mountain and home accidents; (iii) first aid posts at national sporting events, cultural and artistic celebrations, and ski resorts; (iv) transport of patients to and from hospitals; and (v) transport of corpses (in special cases). The Lebanese Red Cross, abiding by the Fundamental Principles, does not consider the religion, nationality or status of persons it assists. For migrants, the service is particularly interesting as it is free of charge. Moreover, because some hospitals do not accept patients from other nationalities, or may not have sufficient capacity, the Lebanese Red Cross calls beforehand to ensure that the hospital will accept a patient. If not, it seeks other options until health care can be secured. During the influx of Syrian migrants, the Lebanese Red Cross also established temporary posts in areas with large population movements.