The boys are back in town
ER24: We can't have a patient wait 15 minutes for medical attention.
ER24 a household name in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will once again be operating in Randfontien and their medics and paramedics are keen on saving some lives.
ER24 officially started in Randfontein on Monday. Hentie Malan, ER24 West Rand branch manager said as from 1 February 2016 one ambulance will be dispatched in Randfontein.
This ambulance will serve as a pilot project for the town and more ambulances may follow depending on how the pilot goes.
We’d like to make this a permanent fixture for the rest of the year and years to come.”
The service had ambulances and response cars parked at Uncle Harry’s to show the town that they’re back and ready to give it their all. Two medics will man the ambulance, one of which has been a Randfonteiner for the past three years and has been in the business going on six years. Lourens Coetzer is a Basic Life Support (BLS) practitioner for ER24 who is originally from Krugersdorp and seems to be ready for the chance to help out in his new-found town.
The other is Simiso Zuma, another Intermediate Life Support (ILS) for ER24. Unfortunately, he was not present when the Herald went to see what all the fuss at Uncle Harry’s was about.
He says ER24 realised that their ambulances are too far out where they are currently stationed to respond in Randfontein as quickly as they would want to.
We’re sitting at Pines and Carletonville and it just takes to long for us to respond in Randfontein. You’re talking at least a 15 minute drive. We can’t have a patient wait 15 minutes for medical attention,” Malan said.
Their satellite point in Randfontein has yet to be decided but they have their hopes set on Uncle Harry’s as it is a central point to respond to either side of the R28.
While the ambulance has a BLS and ILS manning it, more serious incidents would require an Advanced Life Support (ALS) practitioner but Malan assured that ER24 has an ALS on standby nearby if need be.
They boys are back and want Randfontein to know that they will be there with their medical expertise when it is needed so next time when an emergency arises call ER24 on 084 124.
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