EMS officials were attacked in Eisleben Road, Phillipi on Tuesday, when they were threatened with a firearm and were pulled out of the vehicle by four perpetrators
The EMS’ Principal Communications Officer, Deanna February says a female official was attacked
and hit with the firearm on her back.
‘’The vehicle was then stolen and there has been no trace
of it ever since. The incident occurred in Eisleben Road in Philippi and SAPS
is currently investigating the incident.’’
Another incident, added February, occurred on Wednesday, in
Eerste River.
‘’The ambulance which the crew were travelling in was
stoned and badly damaged by unknown individuals. The vehicle was damaged and
fortunately, there were no serious physical injuries, however, the EMS
officials are severely traumatised following this senseless attack and have
been supported with counselling and time off if required,’’ she said.
According to figures from the Western Cape Department of
Health and Wellness, there were 78 attacks in 2021. So far in 2022, there have been
6 attacks on EMS officials.
The department has condemned the incident.
‘’Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness strongly
condemns the recent attacks on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officials and
will continue to implement essential measures to ensure that EMS officials are
kept safe, particularly when they need to enter Red Zones.’’
‘’There’s been a worrying increase in staff attacks which
is unacceptable and impacts service delivery. Although most attacks do not
result in serious physical injuries, essential health services are often being
disrupted,’’ added February.
The spokesperson urged the public to protect EMS officials
and report incidents to SAPS.
‘’The poor response time is most severely felt by the most
vulnerable. These attacks leave staff traumatised and fearing for their lives
while fulfilling their duties. They go beyond and above the call of duty, by
risking their lives daily to save the lives of the vulnerable people in
communities. We are therefore urging the public to protect and support EMS
officials and immediately report these incidents to their nearest police
station.’’
PICTURE Courtesy: WCDoHDone By: Mitchum George
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