Follow us
Gauteng paramedics embark on walk to raise awareness of ongoing attacks
Gauteng Emergency Medical Services paramedics marched to raise awareness of the ongoing attacks on paramedics on Friday, 21 January 2022. JP von Benecke, deputy director at Gauteng EMS, said, “We had an increase incidences of violence towards EMS staff over past few months culminating in four just this past three weeks, including Eldoradopark, Alexandra, Eersterus and Reigerpark. On all incidents crew were held at gunpoint and robbed of belongings as well as EMS equipment. We chose Reigerpark to engage the community as this was the latest incident but also because one was caught and community knows who they are but doesn't speak up so arrests could be made. Gauteng feels that community buy in and protection is the only way to ensure safety of staff.”
According to the Gauteng Department of Health, paramedics were attacked at gunpoint in Reiger Park, Boksburg, on Tuesday morning while responding to a call of a woman in labour. "The crew was robbed by three armed men who made off with their personal cell phones and wallets. The criminals also took the ambulance keys," the department said. In another incident, on Wednesday, at around 05h21, paramedics were held at gunpoint and robbed while attending a medical call in Eersterus in Tshwane. "The crew was robbed of their personal cell phones, including a department-issued cell phone. Fortunately, the crew escaped unharmed and still managed to deliver the patient to hospital." Gauteng Health MEC, Nomathemba Mokgethi, condemned the attacks. "Attacks on paramedics and EMS resources is simply unacceptable. We are appealing to communities to work with us to protect EMS personnel," Mokgethi said. The MEC commended the paramedics, who, despite being accosted, still assisted with the delivery of the baby and made arrangements for a second ambulance to assist in transporting both mother and baby to the hospital. COVID-19 Resources page The FRI COVID-19 Resources page is updated regularly for the benefit of our readers, providing you with all relevant information available on a single platform, saving you the time of searching for documents and links. Quote of the week A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. ~ John Fire and Rescue International is your magazine. Read it, use it and share it! Lee Raath-Brownie Managing director Cell: 082 371 0190 Contact us Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: lee@fireandrescue.co Websites www.fireandrescue.co www.frimedia.org www.facebook.com/FireandRescueInternational www.twitter.com/FRI_magazine |
|
