Eleven new provincial ambulances for Durban
The vehicles are designed to perform in far-flung areas where the terrain is rough
DURBAN has received 11 new ambulances, which is the lion’s share of the hand-over of 89 new ambulances across the province’s 11 districts by the KZN health department.
The new ambulances were unveiled by KZN Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo in Durban on Friday, 28 August.
MEC Dhlomo said the vehicles, which are designed to perform in far-flung areas where the terrain is rough, will ensure government services are brought to the doorsteps of people’s homes. He thanked the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff for the immense role they play in the health sector.
He also urged the public to look after these ambulances and respect the emergency crews who use them to bring life-saving healthcare to people in distress.
MEC Dhlomo said: “Our EMS is the largest in the country, operating more than 300 ambulances and having more than 2,500 dedicated paramedics in its employ. When it comes to our ability to respond to incidents of violence, injuries and trauma, paramedics play a profoundly critical role in saving lives. They are usually the first healthcare professionals to arrive at the scene of accident or a homestead of a sick patient and quickly assess the situation and determine the proper course of action for that individual.”
The MEC added that due to the vastness of the province and the rough terrain of some roads, ambulances accumulate high mileage quickly and constantly need to be repaired and in some cases, replaced. “Replacing them does not come cheap, we are sometimes forced to soldier on and continue using them even when they have reached that replacement threshold. But we are pleased to be handing over 89 ambulances, which are fully equipped,” he added.
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