Stay safe this festive season: Protect lives and support our health heroes
As the festive season approaches, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (WCDHW) is calling on all residents and visitors to prioritise safety during this joyful yet potentially hazardous time. Each year, preventable injuries and fatalities increase over the holidays, with our children being among the most vulnerable.
Between 15 December and 15 January every year, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responds to an average of 60,000 calls, many involving trauma and preventable incidents.
Minister Mireille Wenger highlighted the importance of taking extra precautions. “The festive season is a time for celebration, but it can quickly turn tragic if we’re not vigilant. Children’s safety must be our collective responsibility. Whether at home, on the road, or at the beach, we all need to do our part to keep them safe,” she said.
Children’s safety: A shared responsibility
Dr Anita Parbhoo, CEO of Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, stressed the importance of supervision. “Children are especially vulnerable during this time. Proper adult supervision is essential - don’t let it be compromised by distractions, alcohol, or other substances. Designate specific adults to keep watch during gatherings and ensure children are safe,” she urged.
“Our teams are ready to respond, but we can’t do it alone. We need residents and visitors to do their part and act responsibly. This includes keeping an eye on children near water, securing them in car seats, and staying alert on the roads. Prevention is key to reducing the strain on emergency services,” added Dr Parbhoo.
Key safety tips:
- Prevent Drownings: Never leave children unattended near water. Secure pools with fences and gates and use life jackets for water activities. Always have a sober “water watcher” on duty.
- Road Safety: Ensure children are buckled into appropriate car seats or seat belts. Never let them travel unsecured.
- Child-proof Holiday Spaces: Keep sharp objects, hot drinks, and toxic substances out of reach.
Road safety: A critical focus
The festive season also brings a significant increase in road accidents, many of which are preventable. With increased traffic volumes and longer travel distances, it is essential for drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution.
Craig Wylie, provincial Director of EMS, stressed the importance of road safety, “We see far too many tragic accidents during this time. Drivers must stay focused, avoid speeding, and never drink and drive. Pedestrians, especially children, should be extra cautious, use designated crossings, and wear reflective clothing at night.”
Key road safety reminders include:
- For Drivers: Always wear seat belts, adhere to the speed limits, and avoid distractions like mobile phones. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before setting out on long trips.
- For Pedestrians: Use sidewalks or pavements where available, and cross only at designated pedestrian crossings.
Comprehensive Festive Readiness Plan
To manage the increased demand during the festive season, EMS has implemented a Comprehensive Festive Readiness Plan designed to provide rapid and efficient emergency care:
- Enhanced Deployment: Additional ambulances, paramedics, and response vehicles have been stationed in high-risk areas, including popular tourist spots, major roads, and busy beaches.
- Specialised Resources: Advanced 4x4 rescue vehicles and motorbikes equipped with life-saving equipment will be deployed to areas with difficult terrain or heavy congestion.
- Partnerships for Rapid Response: EMS will collaborate with key partners such as the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Lifeguards SA, the South African Police Service, and Traffic Services to ensure swift and coordinated emergency responses.
- Safety in High-Risk Zones: In areas known as “red zones,” EMS teams will be accompanied by police escorts to ensure their safety while responding to emergencies.
Mr Wylie added, “Our plan is comprehensive, covering everything from increased staffing to specialised vehicles and strong partnerships. We are fully prepared to handle the surge in emergency calls and ensure that help reaches those in need as quickly as possible.”
Pressure on emergency centres
Dr Saadiq Kariem, Chief of Operations at WCDHW, highlighted the significant pressure that emergency centres (ECs) face during this period. “The festive season brings a sharp increase in trauma cases, placing a heavy burden on our emergency centres. Our healthcare facilities are fully prepared, but we urge the public to help us by using these services responsibly. Only visit the EC for urgent and severe conditions, and avoid preventable emergencies by making responsible choices,” said Dr Kariem.
A special thanks to healthcare workers
Minister Wenger also expressed her gratitude to healthcare workers who will be working tirelessly over the holiday season. “To all our paramedics, doctors, nurses, and support staff who sacrifice time with their families to care for our communities, we are deeply grateful. Your hard work and commitment make a significant difference, often under immense pressure.”
She concluded, “By taking simple precautions, we can protect our children, support our healthcare workers, and ensure a safe, joyful holiday season for everyone.”
Emergency contact numbers
In case of emergencies, please keep the following numbers handy:
- Police Flying Squad: 10111
- Ambulance Services: 10177
- Cell Phone Emergency: 112
- City of Cape Town General Emergency: 107 (from a landline) or 021 480 7700
- Disaster Risk Management Centre: 080 911 4357 (HELP)
- Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape: 0861 555 777
- Childline: 116
- Lifeline: 021 461 1113
- Wilderness Search and Rescue: 021 937 0300