In a compelling demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s medical preparedness for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, a 65-year-old Nigerian pilgrim was miraculously brought back to life after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest at the Miqat Mosque in Madinah. The life-saving operation was carried out by emergency personnel from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA), whose prompt and professional response turned what could have been a tragic incident into a remarkable story of survival.
According to Dr. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Zahrani, who serves as the General Director of the SRCA in the Madinah region, a distress call was received by the Medical Transport Center alerting them to a medical emergency involving a female pilgrim who had collapsed and become unresponsive while inside the Miqat Mosque, a major spiritual checkpoint for pilgrims entering the state of Ihram.
Upon arrival, paramedics found the elderly Nigerian woman in a critical state, showing no signs of pulse or breathing. Without delay, the emergency team initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), applying their advanced training and equipment to revive her. The team worked meticulously and within minutes, her heart resumed beating and her breathing was restored. Medical experts described the effort as a textbook example of how rapid response can reverse a potentially fatal cardiac episode.
After stabilizing her at the scene, the woman was transported to the Saudi German Hospital in Madinah for continued observation and care. Officials say her condition has since improved, and she remains under close medical supervision.
This incident underscores not only the readiness of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare infrastructure during the annual Hajj pilgrimage but also highlights the level of care afforded to all pilgrims, regardless of nationality. With over two million people expected to participate in Hajj 1446 AH, the Kingdom has invested heavily in deploying thousands of medical personnel, mobile clinics, and fully equipped ambulances to strategic locations, including mosques, accommodation zones, and ritual sites.
For Nigerian pilgrims, this episode is a reassuring testament to the safety measures in place. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has also been working hand-in-hand with Saudi authorities to ensure that Nigerian citizens receive prompt attention in case of emergencies. The successful revival of the pilgrim serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of medical preparedness during the pilgrimage and is a heartfelt moment of gratitude for the victim’s family and the Nigerian Hajj delegation.
With Hajj 2025 now in full swing, pilgrims are being urged to adhere to health guidelines, stay hydrated, and seek medical help immediately if they feel unwell. The Kingdom’s commitment to saving lives and ensuring a spiritually fulfilling and safe pilgrimage continues to earn global recognition.