City of Ekurhuleni’s DEMS wishes to inform the community of changes in its ambulance services.
As of July 1, several fire stations have been attacked, windows shattered, and firefighters physically and verbally attacked.
This, according to William Ntladi of DEMS, is because the public is still of the opinion that medical and trauma services are still DEMS’ responsibilities.
Ntladi stated that most residents are not aware that ambulance services have been provincialised and are no more the responsibility of the City but that of the province.
“Different community members are still phoning the City’s emergency call centre number when in frantic need of medical or trauma services for their loved ones. When not assisted with services needed, they vent their anger and frustrations out on firefighters and resources,” he said.
He told the RECORD that Public Information, Education and Relations (PIER) sub-section within emergency services has also been hard at work.
“They braised themselves through the rain, kick-starting the series of awareness campaigns in alerting the public on provincialisation of ambulance services within the CoE. “Makause and Delport informal settlements near Primrose fire station were the two communities reached by firefighters on the provincialisation of ambulance services,” said Ntladi.
He said the objective was to reach more individuals at shopping malls and informal settlements within the City.
For trauma and medical ambulance services, the public is encouraged to contact the Gauteng provincial ambulance call centre on 011 564 2210 or 011 564 2211.
However, City’s DEMS is still reachable for fire and other rescue services.
City of Ekurhuleni Emergency Fire and Rescue Services can be contacted on 011 458 0911, while the national toll-free number is 10177 and 112.
