WC Health gets 114 new and replaced vehicles, ahead of the festive season; 440 new vehicles expected over next two years

One hundred and fourteen specialised Emergency Medical Services (EMS) vehicles were handed over to the Western Cape’s Department of Health and Wellness on Monday.

PHOTO: WCGov

Western Cape’s Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, who did the ceremonial handover, says this is part of the second phase in a collaborative project between the Western Cape’s Government Motor Transport (GMT) entity and Department of Health and Wellness to replace and enhance the EMS fleet.

Included in the 114 vehicles are:

• 30 Toyota Quantum ambulances;

• 10 VW Caddy wheelchair vehicles for use in rural areas;

• 19 Toyota Quantum stretcher ‘Tango’ vehicles;

• 6 VW Crafters converted to carry four wheelchairs and six seated passengers;

• 37 response SUVs (bakkies); and

• 12 VW Crafter 23-seater patient transport buses.

The one hundred and fourteen specialized vehicles consists of new and replacement vehicles. Mackenzie said this batch of vehicles is the second phase that will see a total of 440 new and replacement EMS vehicles delivered before the end of March 2025.

PHOTO: WCGov

The first batch of 182 new EMS vehicles went into service during 2022/23 and the remaining 144 vehicles are currently progressing through various stages, from order placement to production and conversion.

 “Our EMS vehicles are one of the key building blocks of the health system, ensuring that health services are accessible to residents across the Western Cape - especially in times of medical emergencies in the most rural communities. We look forward to our fleet being fully modernised so that they can continue to capacitate our personnel to render lifesaving healthcare,’’ said Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape Health and Wellness MEC.

VIDEO COURTESY: WCGov

MEC Mackenzie boasted saying some of these vehicles are the first of their kind in Africa.

‘’As we head into the Festive Season, the demands on our emergency services will increase, not to mention the crippling budget cuts faced by the government. Now more than ever, we need to make sure these teams are equipped and supported to do their critical work.”

“The innovations co-created by our EMS and GMT teams are truly remarkable. Among them are two prototype ambulances equipped with 360-degree camera coverage to keep paramedics and emergency workers safe from ambush in the course of their work. I am very proud of the customized drone unit that can be deployed to find a missing or injured person, such as on Table Mountain. Once found, a helicopter can be sent out to the location,” added Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Mobility MEC.

 

Done By: Mitchum George