They are the heroes on the roads, as well as in medical facilities. They risk their own lives to save the lives of others. Hence, National Emergency Day (October 17) aims to recognise the important role of EMS in achieving universal health coverage in South Africa.
On Thursday, Frikkie Bekker from KwaZulu Private Ambulance Services, together with emergency personnel from AbaQulusi Private Hospital, engaged in a ‘mock accident scene’ to train, teach and spread awareness about the importance of emergency personnel in the case of a crash or other medical emergency.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane said in a statement that she will join the global community in commemorating World Emergency Medical Services Day.

“As we commemorate World Emergency Medical Services Day on October 17, we salute all our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel who do everything possible and even risk their own lives to come to the rescue of those who are in distress. You are our heroes and we cannot thank you enough.
“We call on the public to look after our EMS personnel, as well as their vehicles and equipment, and ensure that they are never subjected to any acts of criminality or violence. All individuals with nefarious intentions to cause harm to them must be isolated and reported to law enforcement authorities,” said MEC Simelane.
In KZN, EMS personnel work under incredibly challenging circumstances, responding swiftly to emergencies to provide life-saving care and ensuring that patients reach health facilities safely and timeously, amid a plethora of logistical challenges.

“They are on the frontlines, whether during natural disasters, road accidents, medical emergencies or community health crises, offering not only medical expertise but also compassion and comfort in critical moments,” said Simelane.The MEC added that emergency personnel are often hindered by acts of criminality, which include attacks on personnel, hijacking of ambulances and theft of medical equipment. She said these actions not only endanger the lives of EMS teams, but also jeopardise the lives of those in need of urgent care.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of EMS personnel, as they serve our communities. Therefore, we urge members of the public to respect and support our EMS teams and be vigilant in reporting any threats to their safety. Criminal acts against EMS personnel must be condemned in the strongest possible terms, as they rob our society of the critical services needed in moments of life and death,” concluded Simelane.

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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.