Ambulance ‘hijacking’ under investigation
"It is alleged the patient drove off with the vehicle, leaving the crew behind."
The spokesperson of the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), Mr William Ntladi, said it is “with great remorse” that the DEMS recently determined one of its ambulances was involved in an incident initially identified as a “hijacked ambulance“.
The incident in question occurred during the festive season in Tembisa.
Mr Ntladi said the department has already embarked on a thorough investigation into the matter.
“As per records, the ambulance crew was dispatched to service the mentally ill patient from Maokeng Section in Tembisa on December 31, at around 12:30pm.
“The incident, the ambulance crashing into a shack, was brought to the attention of Emergency Services management immediately after occurring,” said Mr Ntladi.
Mr Ntladi said no casualties were reported.
“It is alleged the patient drove off with the vehicle, leaving the crew behind, while addressing the issue of an escort to hospital. Patient escort by next of kin in the ambulance to hospital is one of the key factors to provide medical history to medical staff. The department (DEMS), which operates under the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, is policy driven.
“All pertinent policies, operational codes of conduct and bylaws will be applied towards resolving the matter amicably and effectively. It is key to highlight the fact that the matter will not be left unattended. Initially, the two employees were consulted and the matter is under investigation,” said Mr Ntladi.
Mr Ntladi said all other implicated parties will be consulted in resolving the matter, including the Gauteng Department of Health.
