Dipika Arefin, Special Correspondent:

Makkah: Saudi Arabia’s first female ambulance driver Sarah Khalaf Al-Enezi learned to drive in Amman,Jordan eight years ago while studying at the University of Science and Technology on a scholarship. But getting behind the wheel of an ambulance,and in a country where women have only recently started driving,is a difficult prospect altogether. An initial factor that prompted her to become an ambulance driver was the coronavirus outbreak.As an ambulance crew member, she is one of the first health professionals to face patients.

She experienced astonishment,and even disapproval,from Saudi society as she pursued her calling.But overcoming such challenges,not to mention the pressure that comes with this frontline role,has been worth it. “Being the first female ambulance driver in Saudi Arabia is an indescribable feeling. My field of work is a healing balm for my soul and a motivation to be more committed to helping the injured and saving lives,” she said.She further said, “It’s no easy task,it’s difficult and requires a great mental presence and speed in decision making.”

Family encouragement and support helped lead her to become a pioneer in Saudi Arabia.As a child she loved emergency work. “I used to keep wound patches with me and, when a family member was injured they used to call me immediately to help.I cleaned and dressed the wounds, and this was a source of my pride.”

She remembered her first emergency case, transferring someone from King Khalid Airport in Riyadh to a quarantine base in Al-Diriyah Hospital.She described it as one of the real tests of her life.She said that she was happy with what she has achieved and that Saudi women could present their skills,expertise and creativity at all levels,especially if they were given the chance and were trusted.