EMS responds to 4 092 incidents over the weekend

29 – 31 May 2020

During the past weekend, the Western Cape Government Health's (WCGH) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to 4 092 incidents. There were 106 incidents in red zone areas, 18 more incidents than last weekend and 83 transport-related incidents, 28 more incidents than last weekend. The top ten incident types included non-cardiac pain (643); respiratory complaints (528); obstetric complaints (341); weapon assault (254); abdominal complaints (204); neurological complaints (194); vomiting/diarrhoea (170); musculoskeletal complaints (165); forensic pathology (155) and fever (125).

Over 1 400 EMS first responders have continued to serve residents across the Western Cape with complete commitment and accountability during these demanding times. Spokazi Ntoyabo, a call taker at the EMS Emergency Communications Centre, stationed on the Tygerberg Hospital premises, took 432 calls over the weekend. Spokazi has been employed by the WCGH’s EMS for 9 years. “Teamwork is key, having a good understanding and working relationship with my colleagues makes these demanding times a bit easier,” says Sipokazi.

The Red Zone area incidents occurred in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain (42); Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain (31); Hanover Park (28) and Chicago, Paarl (5). Ambulance crews are not allowed to enter these zones without a South African Police Service (SAPS) escort.

Most patients were transported to the Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and Vredenburg Hospitals. 

“We remain grateful to the brave EMS men and women who are committed to saving lives across the province. We are appealing to the public to support EMS officials during these dire times. EMS officials are placing their lives at risk and providing an essential service to the communities in the Western Cape,” says EMS Director, Dr Shaheem De Vries.

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