ACSA denies lack of medical safety measures at King Shaka after death
ACSA admits the automated external defibrillator was not working but says the emergency response procedure was not deficient in any way.
Airports Company South Africa has denied having inadequate medical safety measures after a death at King Shaka International Airport on September 14.
The death of a man as a result of cardiac arrest near the domestic luggage collection area received national coverage after a Durban woman posted her experience of the ordeal on social media.
Among her concerns were an out of order Automated External Defibrillator (AED), perceived lack of an emergency plan and an alleged response time of over 10 minutes from medical professionals at the airport.
ACSA admitted that the AEDs – which are designed to be used during cardiac episodes – were not working and that they were trying to source new models at the time of the death. They said new models had since been installed on September 22.
They denied that their procedures were inadequate, however, claiming that the medical response time was within the prescribed five to seven minutes.
“ACSA’s Emergency Response Procedure was followed, and we can confirm that the procedure was not deficient in any way. The paramedics responded to the medical emergency within the stipulated time,” said ACSA.
“Despite this, we are always open to improvements and are conducting a risk assessment to review and consider other matters such as the optimal location of personnel during peak periods and quicker deployment of privacy screens.”
Aside from paramedics, who ACSA says are available to respond to both “airside and landside” emergencies on site 24/7, there is also a clinic open at the airport during the week.
If you have medical issues outside of the Monday-Friday, 8am-4.30pm opening hours, ACSA said the procedure is for staff to call the paramedics.
“In addition to the onsite paramedics, the airport staff members undergo first aiders training,” said ACSA.
The woman’s Facebook post indicated that it was private travellers who tried to revive the man with CPR until paramedics arrived however, not airport staff.
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