EMS teams brace for festive season dangers

Prayer held as emergency services prepare for the festive season

26 seconds ago

Mbuso Kunene 1 minute read

Scores of EMS personnel attending the annual prayer day at Ngwelezane community hall

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel from King Cetshwayo District gathered for the annual prayer day at Ngwelezane community hall on Saturday.

The gathering was held amid increasing emergency calls involving drownings and road accidents, as the festive season approaches and hot weather conditions prevail.

Organised by the district EMS, the event gave personnel the time to seek spiritual intervention and motivation as they navigate challenges they face in the line of duty.

King Cetshwayo District EMS manager Mduduzi Zungu said the turnout and support from members exceeded his expectations.

“Since 2021, this has had a positive impact on our members in dealing with the difficulties they face. We have to witness horrific accidents and be the ones who share sad news with victims’ relatives,” said Zungu.

He added that personnel also faced frustration from communities over delayed response times, sometimes caused by limited resources.

“Recently, we have been experiencing hijackings and are targeted by criminals. This contributes to members losing their passion. This prayer day was to offer words of encouragement and motivate them,” added Zungu.

Among those in attendance were representatives from the Zululand and uMkhanyakude district EMS teams, private and provincial ambulance services, SAPS, the Road Traffic Inspectorate, fire departments, towing services, and Life Empangeni Private Hospital.

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