EMS responds to 5 038 incidents during the long weekend

7 - 10 August 2020

The Western Cape Government Health's (WCGH’s) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) had their hands full this long weekend as officials responded to 5 038 incidents across the Western Cape. There were 131 incidents in red zone areas and 163 transport-related incidents. On Sunday, 9 August, a motor vehicle accident occurred on the R27 in Atlantis at 23:01. Two light motor vehicles were involved in the incident, both vehicles were on fire. Unfortunately, the six patients who were in the vehicles died during the incident. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the deceased.

The top ten incidents types included non-cardiac pain (883); respiratory complaints (568); obstetric complaints (455); weapon assault (305); neurological complaints (252); abdominal complaints (208); vomiting/diarrhea (202); musculoskeletal complaints (199); COVID-19 (162); and forensic pathology (157).

The red zone area incidents occurred in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain (67); Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain (33); Hanover Park (27) and Chicago, Paarl (4). Ambulance crews are not allowed to enter these zones without a South African Police Service (SAPS) escort.

Most patients were transported to the Tygerberg, Paarl and Worcester Hospitals. 

EMS responded to a call at 13:00 on Sunday, 9 August which involved eight persons who were hiking in the Limietberg Nature Reserve in the Boland Mountains, above Wellington. The patients were unable to return to their base camp on Bainskloof Pass due to the swollen Witte River. Severe weather conditions at the time imposed an intense cold temperature, with cloud cover and rain which caused further complications. The incident involved six adults and four children who were safely extracted from the scene by helicopter. A backup team was in place in case the helicopter extraction could not commence due to the weather. The team included an ambulance, safety lines, anchor points, specialized equipment such as an inflatable rescue craft, life jackets and 4x4 rescue vehicles. The extraction occurred at 17:32, fortunately, there were no serious injuries as the eight patients suffered hypothermia and no further medical assistance was needed once they were taken to their lodge.