The event marked World Trauma Day, with Frikkie Bekker of KwaZulu Private Ambulance Services as the speaker and was organized in conjunction with AbaQulusi Private Hospital.

This year’s simulated accident scene focused on the dangers of drinking and driving. The exercise included a mock attempt by a drunken driver to flee the scene, with police stepping in to apprehend him.

The simulation took the audience through the process, from the first emergency call to the arrival of responders and the treatment of patients in the hospital’s emergency unit, which was set up in the hospital parking area.

Teams demonstrate how emergency calls are handled

Marlize Harmse of Road Angels Traffic SA, which serves as the Central Communications Centre (CCC) for RIMS and receives the first call, the team then demonstrated how the different services are alerted and coordinated.

Asiphila Ambulance, Mangaliso Ambulance, AbaQulusi Fire & Rescue, Vryheid SAPS, Road Angels SA, Pro Assist Breakdown & Towing, doctors and health care professionals and (LCRC) took part in the exercise. LCRC demonstrated its role in cases where a person has died.

Learners from local schools and other spectators watched as the various teams carried out their duties, showing how much coordination is needed between emergency personnel at an accident scene and hospital staff.

Raising awareness of trauma care

World Trauma Day is observed annually on October 17 to raise awareness of trauma care and injury prevention. It also highlights the importance of a quick emergency response, trained first responders and access to appropriate medical care.

The demonstration gave those watching a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes when an accident occurs, while highlighting the dangers of drinking and driving and the importance of teamwork when every second counts.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.