26 new ambulances added to Limpopo EMS fleet

POLOKWANE – Twenty-six new ambulances became part of the Limpopo Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fleet on Thursday at the official handover by Premier Stanley Mathabatha and Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba.

These new arrivals are part of the 100 ambulances acquired by the Department of Health and will complement the 60 ambulances that were delivered in August.

The department hopes these ambulances will ease the burden of the shortage of medical emergency services vehicles due to an ageing existing fleet.

With Limpopo being a largely rural province, having these extra ambulances will make it easier to reach people in need.

With these vehicles, the province also aims to meet the national emergency services norms regarding the response time of 15 minutes in urban areas and 40 minutes in rural areas.

6 obstetric ambulances added to the fleet

What makes these 26 new vehicles even more special is the fact that six of them are obstetric ambulances which means that pregnant women can be safely transported to the nearest facilities and can be saved.

Mathabatha said the remainder of the obstetric ambulances will be commissioned in January 2016 as they still need to be fitted with necessary incubators.

Ramathuba said having obstetric ambulances is important because if a woman has to go into labour during transportation, the medical personal will have the correct equipment on board to make sure that both the baby and the mother are safe and healthy.

“We want to prevent maternal deaths in ambulances as well as prenatal deaths as a result of patients not reaching the hospitals in time,” Ramathuba said.

Plans for the festive season

With the festive season in full swing, these new ambulances are much needed and Mathabatha further said the province is prepared.

“Over the next four weeks our EMS will be on standby at 26 key points throughout the province. This service will be supported by the daylight air ambulance service,” Mathabatha said.

Furthermore, the department will ensure that all heath facilities remain operational to deal with the needs of the people.

The premier closed off the hand over by challenging the people of Limpopo to be responsible this festive season.

“I challenge every one of you to become an ambassador of responsible driving and safety on the roads. Let us not just speak but lead through actions.”