Modernisation of EMS on the cards
The modernisation in the delivery of emergency services will ensure that the time between a call being placed for an ambulance and the ambulance being dispatched, will be drastically reduced.
Plans to improve the emergency medical service (EMS) turnaround times were recently announced by Gauteng Health’s member of the executive committee (MEC), Qedani Mahlangu.
The MEC made the announcement during the debate on the health department’s annual report at the Gauteng legislature.
“In 2013/14 we procured 120 ambulances which were allocated to five districts, including local municipalities,” said MEC Mahlangu.
“We are adding a further 50 to the EMS fleet, which is currently undergoing conversion and we are in the process of procuring computer aided call taking and dispatching software for the EMS,” she added.
The modernisation in the delivery of emergency services will ensure that the time between a call being placed for an ambulance and the ambulance being dispatched, will be drastically reduced.
The system will also improve coordination of the bed bureau, or bed management, especially the intensive care units (ICU) and high care beds.
MEC Mahlangu said using modern technology will allow the health department to create a single database for all emergency service providers in Gauteng and will allow the appropriate use of resources by both the private and the public sector.
Other modernisation endeavours from the department include investigating a Cash Lab Model to improve cash flow management in all public health facilities.
MEC Mahlangu said the technology will provide a platform to continuously communicate with resident, especially those on chronic medication, via a short message system (SMS) with health promoting messages, treatment plan options and collection points.
