Bethal EMS airlifts baby boy to Ermelo Hospital
The helicopter came from Nelspruit to transport ill newborn to Ermelo
BETHAL – It does not happen every day that locals see the Mpumalanga Department of Health’s helicopter land and take off at the Bethal Hospital.
Numerous local Facebook users were intrigued by a video posted on Monday afternoon, 21 May of the helicopter taking off from the Bethal Hospital grounds.
Ms Cindy Swart, manager of Bethal Emergency Medical Services (EMS), explained the helicopter was used to transport a very ill newborn baby from Bethal Hospital to Ermelo Hospital.
She said the baby boy was in distress after swallowing amniotic fluid during birth.
The Mpumalanga Department of Health’s pilot flew the helicopter from Mbombela to take the infant to Ermelo Hospital.
The team of Bethal EMS assisted with moving the baby from the maternity ward at Bethal Hospital to the helicopter.
“I felt sorry to see the little one being so ill, but I believe he is in good hands,” said Ms Swart.
