Stock Image Pixabay
The National Department of Health has deployed 1 540 additional ambulances across the country's major routes to accelerate the turnaround time for emergency medical response during the festive season.
Spokesperson Foster Mohale says this is due to this period associated with a high demand for emergency services.
He says the number will be complemented by private sector ambulances as part of an existing service level agreement entered with all provinces to beef up services.
In the Eastern Cape the N2, N10, R61 and R72 will be prioritised.
Crime and violence
Mohale raised the issue of violence and attacks against paramedics in the line of duty and called on communities to become protectors rather than bystanders.
According to the WHO, health workers are at high risk of violence all over the world. Between 8% and 38% of health workers suffer physical violence at some point in their careers.
Some of the added risks during the festive season include vehicle accidents, domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse, and drowning.
All health facilities will remain open to enable South Africans to access health services.
In a life-threatening emergency, people are reminded to dial 112 from a landline or cellular phone and be aware that the call centre agents will ask questions to enable them to dispatch an ambulance accordingly.
Call 112
In a life-threatening emergency, people are reminded to dial 112 from a landline or cell phone and be aware that the call centre agents will ask questions to enable them to dispatch an ambulance accordingly.
The following important details will be obtained from you:
-your name
-phone number
-address
-nearest landmark and the current medical status of the patient
Ensure that you get a call reference number before the end of the call to be used when you follow up on the progress of the call.
