An advanced life support paramedic from ER24 Parys saved the life of a woman who was attacked by a swarm of aggressive bees in the vicinity of Freedman Street on Saturday morning through his swift and courageous actions.

Tim Woodburn responded rapidly to the emergency call. Although he did not have a protective bee suit, he drove the emergency response vehicle as close as possible to the house to reach the woman. She had been stung several times and is allergic to bee stings.

After she had been stabilised and the bees had calmed down, she was brought to the vehicle and transported to Mediclinic Potchefstroom.

Since October 1, ER24 has stationed two advanced life support paramedics in Parys, with a fully equipped emergency response vehicle. The paramedics work in shifts and are available 24 hours a day to provide emergency medical services throughout the Ngwathe municipal area.

In life-threatening emergencies, these paramedics will respond to any emergency call, regardless of whether the patient has medical aid cover. This is, however, subject to the availability of the paramedics.

The service has been made possible through the collaboration of several role players. Rotary president Sandra Uys initially identified the need for such a service in the Parys community. With the support of an ER24 corporate client, a proposal was subsequently presented to Mediclinic.

A seven-month trial period was agreed upon, with financial support provided to assess the sustainability of the service for Parys and the towns within the Ngwathe municipal area.

If the service proves financially sustainable, it could lead to a permanent commitment to Parys, with the necessary staff and vehicles.

Several businesspeople in the Parys community, as well as Rotary Parys, are currently making generous contributions towards the welfare of the paramedics, while Egweni River Lodge is assisting by providing accommodation for them.

The vehicle used is suitable for navigating difficult terrain.

Advanced life support paramedics are trained, among other things, to administer higher-schedule medications, provide mechanical ventilation and, where necessary, induce a medically induced coma during a medical emergency.

ER24 is a Mediclinic service that operates internationally.

How to contact ER24 Parys

Emergency number: 057 916 5999

Enquiries: 016 950 8445

Although the message on the emergency number may sound automated, callers will speak directly to a paramedic.

What information is needed when making an emergency call?

• Your full address. After the call, you will receive a WhatsApp message requesting a location pin for your address.
• Your telephone number, as well as an alternative contact number.
• A brief description of the emergency.

A donation of emergency medical supplies from the Stathroy Rotary Club in Canada, facilitated by the Rotary Club of Parys, will be handed over to ER24 Parys by the weekend.

ER24 Parys will also participate in the health day organised by Rotary Parys on Saturday, October 31, at the Dutch Reformed Church’s spring bazaar.

Basic first aid training for members of the public is being planned.

A portion of the proceeds from the Parys Crater Street Mile, presented by Rotary Parys, will also be donated to ER24 Parys.

Rotary Parys has handed over a water rescue boat, known as an Ark, to ER24 Parys after receiving it as a donation. ER24 has trained water rescue personnel who can be available to assist the Parys community within less than half an hour.