EMS’s response to over 10 000 emergencies during festive season
The Western Cape’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responded to 10 245 incidents, of which 32% involved life-threatening incidents. This ranged from those hikers that needed to be rescued from Table Mountain, to the 123 pedestrians who suffered injuries.
According to Byron la Hoe, the departmental spokesperson, most
of the incidents attended to by the EMS involved weapon assaults, ranging from
stab wounds to gun violence.
EMS personnel received complaints for chest pains (1 802),
weapon assaults (1 270), respiratory complaints (934), physical assaults (739),
and obstetric complains (628). Many patients were transported to the Tygerberg,
Worcester and Groote Schuur Hospitals.
The EMS, with an escort from the South African Police
Service (SAPS), attended to several incidents in neighbourhoods, including
Beacon Valley (75), Tafelsig (78), Hanover Park (47) and Chicago (16).
The EMS also responded to 237 transport-related incidents,
with majority involving pedestrians.
PICTURE: WCDoHDone by: Alungile Njemla; Esona Mfazwe; Esobusi Mkangelwa;
Sibulele Stuurman; Thaakiera Ackerdien
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