Gauteng EMS obtains 220 new ambulances for festive season

The Gauteng emergency medical services (EMS) launched 220 newly obtained ambulances as part of their festive season readiness programme on Wednesday, December 8.

These ambulances will be deployed across the province during the festive period, a time that is marked by a high demand for emergency medical services.

It will also be used to respond to the Covid-19 fourth wave.

The new fleet is made up of ambulances in various categories, including 200 intermediate life support and 20 intensive care unit ambulances.

The recapitalisation of the EMS fleet has been extended until 2023. This was in line with the ever-growing population of Gauteng and would enable Gauteng EMS to adequately respond to emergencies. T

he Gauteng EMS received 47 916 and 47 657 calls for November and December respectively last year.

The majority of these cases received during this period were for motor vehicle accidents, assaults and gunshot wounds. The new EMS fleet will ensure that districts are better resourced as part of ongoing efforts to improve overall service delivery, increase operation efficiencies, streamline services and create a seamless emergency medical service in Gauteng.

Over the past three months, Gauteng EMS has also increased its staff. Over 160 EMS personnel were recruited in various categories, including basic life support, intermediate life support and advanced life support.

“We have already started a recruitment process to ensure we have enough human capital to manage these vehicles.” Mokgethi further urged the public to work closely with EMS and stop the attacks on ambulances and their staff. “As we enter the festive period, we call on our people to be careful on the roads.

“Do not drink and drive and take breaks if travelling long distances. “We are still in the Covid-19 pandemic. We urge the public to continue adhering to the non-pharmaceutical measures,” the MEC added.