POLOKWANE – In South Africa, one of the most common causes of death and disability is road-related incidents to which ER24 attends to daily.
“Sadly, as a result of the severity of injuries sustained, there is often nothing that can be done for some patients – despite all efforts by highly qualified expert paramedics. For survivors, assessment, treatment and transportation to the closest appropriate hospital by paramedics is the key focus,” Limpopo Spokesperson for ER24, Russel Meiring, told Review.
Time is of utmost importance, he added. Injuries sustained during these incidents include those to the head, severe impact to internal organs and broken bones, the list is endless. For some, even with expert treatment, the severity of the injuries sustained leaves little, if any, room for recovery.
Thousands of people die or suffer injuries that lead to lifelong problems as a result of collisions on South African roads every year and in many instances the cause could have been prevented.
“Speeding, driving while under the influence of liquor or drugs, driving vehicles that are not roadworthy, unrestrained children in vehicles, not using child car seats where necessary, texting and driving, these are choices that motorists make daily, choices that not only pose a risk to them, but innocent people around them. The festive season is almost upon us and this means there will be more long-distance drives, people rushing to get to their destinations, more parties, more alcohol and reckless behavior,” Meiring said.
Commemoration of World Trauma Day emphasises the importance of saving and protecting a life during the most critical moments and preparing and applying critical measures to deal with and avoid trauma fatalities. “We urge people to take their safety as well as that of others seriously. Call ER24 on 084 124 for any medical emergency.”
Further safety tips:
• Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. Take your vehicle to a dealership for a safety check.
• Be patient and alert while driving.
• Speeding must be avoided.
• Keep a safe following distance.
• Wear seatbelts at all times.
• Ensure children are buckled up or appropriately restrained.
• Avoid road rage.
• Do not drive while under the influence of liquor or drugs.
• Ensure you get enough rest prior to leaving as well as take regular breaks while driving.
• Make use of a hands-free kit and refrain from texting and driving.
• Drive with your headlights on.
“If there can just be some lives saved in spreading the word, the jobs of people in the medical field will be made a little lighter and less hearts will be broken so close to the festive season,” Meiring concluded.
