By staff reporter
As part of celebrating National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) day, the
Northern Cape Health MEC, Maruping Lekwene, paid tribute to all EMS personnel
for their loyalty and dedication to the public service and most importantly, to
communities across the province.
EMS day is commemorated on 17 October annually, the purpose is to raise
awareness and create a platform to recognise achievements and honour all EMS
personnel including those who often go beyond the call of duty. The Provincial EMS
Celebrations will be on 03 November 2022.
At the beginning of this financial year, the Department announced the
implementation of a new Computer Aided Dispatch System within the EMS call
centers. The system intends to ensure that calls are efficiently, effectively recorded
and prioritised to respond to patients in good time. The initiative allows the
Department to track all calls, locate the caller and avail the closest ambulance to the
caller. This 1st phase of the system will be launched in Upington.
The issues of a two-person ambulance crew, the number of operational ambulances
and the response times to emergency calls are inextricably linked. The MEC
remains committed to gradually increasing the number of ambulances and
personnel, using the available resources.
The Department is processing the procurement of 54 additional vehicles comprising
32 ambulances and 20 (4×4) ambulances with off-road capability and two patient
transporters.
On staffing, the Department, supported by the National Department of Health, will
appoint additional 350 EMS personnel on a phased approach.
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