Eastern Cape ambulance drivers suspended for gross negligence

Warning:

This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.

Read the article

The Eastern Cape health department says two drivers have been suspended after a woman in labour fell out of their moving ambulance at Ntabankulu, near Mount Frere.

Health Department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo says the patient sustained injuries and delivered a lifeless baby.

Kupelo says the two ambulance drivers have been suspended for putting the lives of a patient at risk and flouting protocol.

He says the two crew members left the patient unattended in the back of the ambulance while they sat up front.

"In terms of law and policy, the reason why we have to attach two crew members in each ambulance is for them to take care of the patients, while the other one is driving, the other is expected to provide first aid and care for the patients who are being ferried to a medical centre." says Kupelo.

Kupelo said the Health Department had 60 days in which to finalise their investigation, formulate charges and conduct disciplinary proceedings against the two drivers.