“THE 89 brand new ambulances that we are unveiling here will improve government’s ability aid people in emergency situations within the ‘golden hour’ including far-flung areas where the terrain is rough,” stated KZN Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo at the presentation of a brand new fleet of ambulances serving the province’s 11 health districts.
At the launch outside Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday, MEC Dhlomo thanked Emergency Medical Services staff for the immense role they play in the health value chain. While urging the public to admire these ambulances, he commands respect for the emergency crews responsible for life-saving healthcare.
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“Our province is home to more than 10,5 million people, which amounts to 21% of the population of the country. At least 80% of these people depend on public health sector for their medical and health needs. Our Emergency Medical Service is the largest in the country, operating more than 300 ambulances and having more than 2 500 dedicated paramedics. When it comes to our ability to respond to incidents of violence, injuries and trauma as a Department, paramedics play a profoundly critical role in saving lives,” remarked Dhlomo.
“They are the first healthcare professionals to arrive at the scene of an accident or a homestead of a sick patient. They quickly assess the situation and determine the proper course of action for that individual. It therefore becomes crucial for paramedics to get to the scene of an emergency as close to this “golden hour” as possible. This is the first hour after a traumatic injury, when emergency treatment is most likely to be successful,” he acknowledged.
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