The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness says there have been 10 violent attacks on paramedics since the start of this year.
While most attacks did not end in serious physical injuries, this has disrupted health services to the most vulnerable in society, leaving EMS staffers traumatized.
Authorities say EMS teams were targeted in Parow, Langa and Pinelands over the weekend.
The most recent incidents that have been reported to SAPS:
- On Saturday, an ambulance crew escaped a robbery at gunpoint, as they were travelling near Elsies River.
- On Sunday, a crew member was slapped in the face by a patient who refused assistance in Langa.
- On that same day, cable theft occurred at the EMS base in Pinelands.
The department’s spokesperson Byron La Hoe has called on residents to report incidents to police. Officials say assaults on EMS personnel and their impacts on services to communities will not be tolerated.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the robberies, the physical assaults, and general threats to staff. Residents who have any information related to this weekend’s cases, please report it to police,” says La Hoe.
He adds despite the challenges, officials are still trying to do their best, to assist those in medical emergencies.
“The EMS remains committed to delivery person-centered healthcare services, and will continue to do so. Staff are justifiably starting to worry for their safety, entering some areas without a police escort, ” adds La Hoe.
Furthermore, the department concluded by saying staff safety is a high priority and that it will continue to provide the necessary interventions to ensure personnel are safeguarded. These include staff safety, management strategies, safety stakeholder engagements, and community initiatives.
