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7 June 2025
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Ambulance shortages in South Africa at critical levels, a threat to emergency care
Paramedics in South Africa are sounding the alarm over critical shortages of ambulances and staff, leading to unsafe working conditions and inadequate emergency care for communities. In a recent Parliamentary response, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi acknowledged that staffing levels are insufficient to cater to the needs of a population exceeding 63 million, with the government promising to enhance staffing as resources permit. As of 25 April 2025, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) alone boasts 480 ambulances, though 240 of these are currently non-operational. The Eastern Cape faces a similar predicament, with 418 ambulances but 125 out of commission.
He stated that nationally, the ambulance to population ratio is 1:10 000 and there were 14 000 operational EMS personnel as of 28 February 2025.
State paramedics from the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape, who have requested anonymity, have raised alarming concerns over chronic ambulance shortages that are endangering lives.
A paramedic from the Northern Cape said certain towns do not have ambulances or even staff. He mentioned that one town near the N1 highway has one dilapidated ambulance with suspension issues, and staff are forced to use it or face unpaid leave or being booked absent without leave. “I’m an animal lover and I wouldn't even allow my pet to travel in a vehicle like that.”
Unsafe working conditions
He stated that while they attempt to maintain the ambulances to standard, the lack of cleaning materials poses a significant issue. This is compounded by the fact that the ambulances run 24/7, with vehicles being passed from one shift to the next. “In 2006, we had more than 15 ambulances per shift, and now we are down to about six maximum, depending on breakages and servicing.”
According to the paramedic, in one town, two ambulances have to cover about 300 000 people. “One day, I transported 16 people in the back of my vehicle because I could not leave anyone behind. They were serious cases.”
He recalls having to stop at the side of the road and offload patients in order to deliver babies. “These people must get back into an ambulance where the amniotic fluids and stuff is all over the place, including blood and management just can't be bothered.”
“Cross-contamination is taking place more than 100% because there is no time to sanitise the ambulance between calls. I have to use a mop and water to clean up blood because there is no soap.”
A few years ago, he said he was assaulted after coming late for a call due to the shortage of ambulances because the person was dead on arrival. He noted that the public are up in arms over this matter. When the government launched 22 new ambulances recently, we did not receive any despite our challenges, he added.
Source: IOL
He stated that nationally, the ambulance to population ratio is 1:10 000 and there were 14 000 operational EMS personnel as of 28 February 2025.
State paramedics from the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape, who have requested anonymity, have raised alarming concerns over chronic ambulance shortages that are endangering lives.
A paramedic from the Northern Cape said certain towns do not have ambulances or even staff. He mentioned that one town near the N1 highway has one dilapidated ambulance with suspension issues, and staff are forced to use it or face unpaid leave or being booked absent without leave. “I’m an animal lover and I wouldn't even allow my pet to travel in a vehicle like that.”
Unsafe working conditions
He stated that while they attempt to maintain the ambulances to standard, the lack of cleaning materials poses a significant issue. This is compounded by the fact that the ambulances run 24/7, with vehicles being passed from one shift to the next. “In 2006, we had more than 15 ambulances per shift, and now we are down to about six maximum, depending on breakages and servicing.”
According to the paramedic, in one town, two ambulances have to cover about 300 000 people. “One day, I transported 16 people in the back of my vehicle because I could not leave anyone behind. They were serious cases.”
He recalls having to stop at the side of the road and offload patients in order to deliver babies. “These people must get back into an ambulance where the amniotic fluids and stuff is all over the place, including blood and management just can't be bothered.”
“Cross-contamination is taking place more than 100% because there is no time to sanitise the ambulance between calls. I have to use a mop and water to clean up blood because there is no soap.”
A few years ago, he said he was assaulted after coming late for a call due to the shortage of ambulances because the person was dead on arrival. He noted that the public are up in arms over this matter. When the government launched 22 new ambulances recently, we did not receive any despite our challenges, he added.
Source: IOL