To: All Media Institutions
Date: 17 October 2022
MEC LEKWENE OBSERVES NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DAY
As part of celebrating National Emergency Medical Services day, the Northern Cape Health MEC, Mr Maruping Lekwene today pays 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 the 17th October, annually. The purpose of the National Emergency Medical Services day is to raise awareness about the role played by EMS in society and creating a platform recognition and special achievements, and to honour all EMS personnel who often go beyond the call of duty. The Provincial EMS Celebrations will be held on the 03rd November 2022.
In the beginning of this financial year, the Department announced the implementation of a new Computer Aided Dispatch System within the EMS call-centres. The system is intended to ensure that all calls are properly recorded and prioritised for the purpose of responding to patients in good time. The initiative provides the Department with the ability to voice record all calls, locate the caller and avail the closest ambulance to the caller. This 1st phase of the system will officially be launched in Upington, on the 19th October 2022.
The issues of two-person ambulance crew, the number of operational ambulances and the response times to emergency calls are inextricably linked. The MEC remain committed towards gradually increasing the number of ambulances and personnel, all within the available resources.
In terms of increasing the current EMS fleet, the Department has further processed the procurement of 54 additional vehicles comprising of 32 ambulances and 20 (4x4) ambulances with off-road capability and two patient transporters.
On staffing, our Department supported by National Department of Health will appoint additional 350 EMS personnel on a phased approach.
For enquiries, contact:
Mr Lebogang Majaha
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Health
Northern Cape Province
0718836404
