Eight new ambulances for Ugu District
According to the health MEC, the new ambulances were part of an 89-strong fleet rolled out throughout the province.
Medical services in the Ugu District have been bolstered by the recent purchase of eight brand-new ambulances by the KwaZulu-Natal Health Department.
Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo presented the ambulances to Ugu District health officials on Tuesday this week.
ALSO READ : OPINION: ‘What is the MEC hiding?’
According to the MEC, the new ambulances were part of an 89-strong fleet rolled out throughout the province.
The acquisition of the ambulances was intended to help medics deal with emergency situations – even in far-flung areas where terrain is rough – within the so-called ‘golden hour’.
The ‘golden hour’ is the first hour after a traumatic injury, when emergency treatment is most likely to be successful.
The Ugu fleet comprises four Mercedes Benz Sprinters, two VW Crafters which have been converted into ambulances, and two Toyota Hilux pick-up vans.
The MEC pointed out that at least 80 percent of those living in KZN depended on the public health sector for their medical and health needs.
“Due to the vastness of our province and the rough terrain that needs to be covered, our vehicles accumulate high mileage very quickly, which means that they are subject to extraordinary wear and tear, and reach their ‘sell-by date’ (250 000km) very quickly.” he said.
“Because replacing them does not come cheap, we are sometimes forced to soldier on and continue using them even when they have reached that replacement threshold.”
The MEC said paramedics played a pivotal role in saving lives and were usually the first healthcare professionals to arrive at an accident scene and assess patients to determine the best course of action.
“This means paramedics need to get to the scene of an emergency as close to the ‘golden hour’ as possible,” the MEC said.
Dr Dhlomo commended emergency medical services staff, thanking them for their hard work carried out with sometimes limited resources.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
