Paramedic safety is in jeopardy due to the recent spate of muggings while they are on duty.
City of Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) media liaison Robert Mulaudzi said, “We have seen an escalation in the number of incidents were paramedics are robbed while rendering essential service to the citizens of the City of Joburg.”
Two paramedics were held at gunpoint in Hurst Hill on 12 February, see the article here.
In two more incidents, two ER24 paramedics were targeted in Cape Town on 29 January and one day before that, another incident happened in Yeoville, Joburg.
“[We] reassure our staff members that their safety is of primary importance to us as an organisation,” added Mulaudzi.
https://twitter.com/ER24EMS/status/698913936847015939
The City is currently conducting a risk analysis in all the hotspots or dangerous areas and also reviving the response action plan which will include all the stakeholders such as the councillors, Community Policing Forums, security companies, SAPS and JMPD.
Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson for Safety and Security Kate Lorimer MPL said, “It is a matter of educating communities that paramedics are there to help and they should help protect them if they come into an area to collect a patient.”
Lorimer further suggested, “If there are areas where these attacks happen frequently, the SAPS and EMS should perhaps set up a link to escort ambulances on call.”
Mulaudzi added, “We will also be upgrading the safety and security technology in our vehicles to make sure that our emergency services personnel are able to receive help as quickly as possible when they need it.” He asked that the upgrades remain confidential as not to comprise safety of EMS personnel.
SAPS Provincial spokesperson Lieutenant Kay Makhubela suggested creating a close relationship with the sector police and paramedic staff. “We believe that if they [paramedics] notify the sector vehicles or nearest police stations that they are in the area, that the units will be sensitive to their presence and be able to assist them should there be a problem.
Mulaudzi acknowledged that possibility with respect but mentioned that it may be a disadvantage as it will affect response times. “We have a responsibility of creating a safer working environment for all our employees – management is doing everything in our power to make sure that their safety is not compromised when responding to emergencies.”
ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said, “ER24 paramedics have utilised the SAPS numerous times, but unfortunately, we cannot use their services for every emergency. Doing this would delay a call and, most of the time, we would only know once on the scene if the environment is hostile.”
He added, “People that attack and rob paramedics not only place the emergency staff’s lives at risk, but the patients’ as well.”
Paramedic supporters have gone onto social media with comments such as, “It affects all of us. No matter which company you work for. Ultimately, it affects you!”
Meiring suggested some safety tips: paramedics need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. If they are proceeding or responding to a dangerous scene, a SAPS escort can be arranged. Other precautions to take is to make sure the vehicle is parked in a safe, well-lit area and that the vehicle remains locked at all times. Personal belongings should be kept in the vehicle as well.
