First response medical team needs help too
COMMUNITY Emergency Medical Support (CEMS) which has been operating between Westville and Cato Ridge for the past three years, has expanded its services into Amanzimtoti and surrounds.
“CEMS is a voluntary first response medical unit which responds rapidly to assist and stabilise patients who rely on the government services for their medical needs, prior to an ambulance's arrival. It also assists private ambulance services when requested, enjoys a close working relationship with other emergency services such as Metro Police, Fire and SAPS and strives to assist these services where possible to ensure the community receives reliable and efficient medical service,” said operations manager, Matthew Richardson.
“CEMS has been operating in the Toti area for the past six months and the unit does around 50 calls per month between Toti and Cato Ridge.
To date we have attended between 50 and 60 calls in the Toti area, ranging from motor vehicle accidents to heart attacks.
“CEMS primary objective is to support the existing service by stabilising patients and waiting with them until an ambulance arrives to transport the patient to hospital.
“Unfortunately, at times, there are long delays within the ambulance services and CEMS is there to help patients through the delay.”
The organisation has been formed by trained, experienced and motivated volunteers who wish to to assist people who cannot afford private medical care and often have to wait hours for help to arrive. A registered non-profit organisation, CEMS is raising funds to help supply its members with emergency equipment: Uniforms; personal protective equipment such as reflective jackets, safety shoes, gloves, eye protection and helmets; lights and sirens – to assist in getting vehicles through traffic and to be visible on scene. Vehicles are only fitted with lights and sirens once it has been approved by the head of the Department of Transport and an authorisation letter issued.
They also require a GPS; two way radios and medical equipment and consumables.
The CEMS emergency contact number is 079-565-3856.If able to assist e-mail info@cemskzn.co.za or donations can be deposited in the following bank account: First National Bank, account name CEMS, account number 623-560-87405, branch code 250-655.
