Emergency services crew traumatised by bricks hurled at ambulance
An emergency services crew has had to undergo trauma counselling after violent community members pelted their ambulance with bricks and stones, over the weekend.
According to William Ntladi, media liaison officer for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services, the incident took place during the early hours of Sunday morning, while the emergency workers were attending to a gunshot victim in Tsakane Extension 12.
“On arrival, at about 12.50am, the crew found a gunshot victim lying in the open veld and started with the treatment,” said Ntladi.
“Before completing the treatment on the critically injured patient, they were alerted by loud bangs and shattering glass.”
The hurled projectiles caused extensive damage to the ambulance, denting the body and breaking the windows, as well as to five police vehicles on the scene.
“The crew had to urgently load and ferry the patient to Pholosong Hospital without any proper treatment, due to safety reasons,” said Ntladi.
Ntladi condemned the action and told the Herald that such acts put more pressure on quality service delivery rendered to the community at large.
“As we speak, the area is now one ambulance short and the crew is terrified,” he said.
“The municipality took it upon itself to bring quality services to the people, especially after the community voiced their concerns about ambulances.
“As to what aggravated the community to take such a decision, it is still unknown.”
Ntladi added that an inquest docket has been opened with police.
