EMS to the rescue, and do not hesitate to call for help

As part of its ongoing integrated search and rescue operations, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) continue to come to the aid of those residents and visitors in distress or imminent danger. This mostly involves hikers. While hikers enjoy the beauty of what the Western Cape has to offer, the EMS appeals to them to hike in groups, not to wander off the trails, and always ensure that their phones are fully charged.

On three occasions in Tokai, Chapman’s Peak and Bitou Farmland this weekend, the EMS search and rescue teams have been proud to provide an essential service to those hikers in need. This formed part of the 5 925 emergency incidents attended to by the EMS during the first weekend of October, including 32% of which have been life-threatening incidents.

While health facilities are being affected by loadshedding, the EMS Contact Centre personnel continue to operate around the clock and ensure that the appropriate resources, including vehicles and equipment, are dispatched to a scene at the earliest convenience depending on the nature of the incident(s).

This weekend, the majority of the busy end-of-the-month incidents attended to by the EMS involved weapon assaults, which ranged from knife stab wounds to gun violence. The majority of patients were transported to the Tygerberg, Worcester and Groote Schuur Hospitals. Besides weapon assaults (927), the EMS personnel also had to contend with chest pains (890), respiratory complaints (540), physical assaults (508), and obstetric complains (327).

The EMS, with an escort from the South African Police Service (SAPS), attended to various incidents in certain neighbourhoods, such as Beacon Valley (45), Tafelsig (52), Hanover Park (34) and Chicago (8). The EMS remains appreciative of the SAPS’ ongoing support, as this helps protect our crews and enables them to care for the most vulnerable patients.

On the busy roads, the EMS attended to 171 transport-related incidents, including a crash involving a truck on the R301 near Wemmershoek in Paarl at 06:50 yesterday (3 October). Of the 20 vehicle occupants, five sustained mild injuries and were transported to the Stellenbosch and Paarl Provincial Hospitals.

Our emergency medical responders will continue to work tirelessly with the other key parts of the public health system to best serve patients through a range of emergency care services that saves lives. Dial 10177 or 0860 142 142 in case of an emergency.