* The 2014 Soccer World Cup kicked off in Sao Paulo on Thursday and was watched by millions around the globe. The opening whet the appetite of soccer lovers even in our area. Friendly rivalry permeates discussions in homes, schools, work stations, and even in religious venues, shopping malls and taxis. In fact, everywhere. There is a high number of females who follow the fortunes of their favourite national teams and favourite players. Names and posters of the likes of Christiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Ballotelli and many others are among the favourite pin-ups of the fairer sex.
* Hats off to a group of soccer enthusiasts who will host a live screening of the Soccer World Cup matches on a giant screen this Saturday from 5pm onwards. The matches will be the Argentina vs Iran clash at 6pm and the very important Germany vs Ghana match at 9pm. The matches will be screened in a rousing atmosphere outside Jafar Meats in Centenary Road. Rehaz Khan has kindly agreed to have a few bonfires and braai stands on hand to keep the chill underground. People can view the games in a drive-In type of arena or come with their blankets, duvets and hot water bottles and be seated in front of the screen. Warm refreshment, sweet corn, seekh kebabs, coffee and meat trays will be available to keep the huge crowd warmly entertained. No alcohol or drugs will be allowed within the parking area and there will be strict security. The aim of the organisers is to bring some of the excitement of the World Cup to Centenary Road. There will be lucky prizes to be given away.
* As if the ambulance saga is not enough, I received from a member of the public a report of abusive language hurled by one private ambulance person to another private ambulance person. The latter apparently noticed that the former was battling to render life support and tried to assist with additional equipment and know-how, and that is when the ‘F’ words were fired. It is not for me to decide who was right or wrong, but I do know that when a patient is fighting for his life, he needs every bit of assurance that he is in good hands – hands that are trained and skilled in lengthening his life. These hands are expected to be au fait with CPR, the monitoring of pulses and various other indications about the gravity of the person’s fight to live. It is unforgivable to subject the patient to abusive language used by one ambulance person to his ‘colleague’ who is there to lend a hand. A patient cannot be left unattended while a personality clash is being resolved! The protocols and the dispute between ambulance services could have been resolved in a more dignified or professional way after the patient’s life was extended. In the case I am referring to, the patient died before reaching the hospital. The report I received from the bystander convinces me that there may have been a failure to render proper medical treatment. They may have compromised the patient’s ability to survive what appeared to be myocardial infarction. As ordinary citizens, we are alarmed that most of the state ambulances are collecting dust because the service providers have made a balls-up with repairs and regular maintenance of state ambulances. But to add insult to injury, it is most annoying to note that the private ambulance services cannot work as a team. Didn’t these persons take an oath? Or is it all about money? I trust the HPCSA (Health Professionals Council of SA) will intervene and ensure that there aren’t further incidents of this nature.
* There are moves to host Dr Fawzia Siddiqui for a public meeting in Ladysmith to get the latest report on the plight of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who is languishing in a US prison. The schedule of Dr F Siddiqui is extremely tight and it is hoped that she can address a Ladysmith audience on Saturday, June 21, before she flies off to Dubai on the 22nd. Please read the Ladysmith Gazette to know whether this will take place or not.
