The Emergency Medical Services deliver a range of acute medicalresponse services throughout the Western Cape, includingambulance services, which forms the core of the service. Access tohealth services in emergencies on this specific road and in the surrounding remote rural communities, is a continuing challenge and depends on the availability of ambulances within reasonable response time frames. "With this new service we will improve our response time significantly and lighten the pressure on ambulance staff operating currently within the Central Karoo communities" min Uys said.
"The service will be available twenty-four hours per day, covering aradius of 100 km from Leeu Gamka and including the towns of Merweville, Prince Albert Road, Klaarstroom,the N1 Highway and surrounding farming communities" the Minister added. The ambulances and rescue vehicles will be fully equipped at an Advanced Life Support (ALS) level for critically ill or injured patients. Another benefit of the service is that it increasesavailability of existing ambulances for emergency responses withinother local communities in the district. Staff will include a paramedicand an advanced rescue medic.
The new ambulance service adds another cog in the EMS systemand enables the department to react faster to critical conditions andserious injuries caused by accidents, thus reducing fatalities.Minister Uys, however, urged the public to drive carefully during thisfestive season and adhere to the basics . " Our motorists are welleducated and they know exactly what to do to reach theirdestination safely" Uys said.
Issued by:
The Directorate Communications
Office of the Superintendent of Health, Western Cape
Department of Health
Director: Communication
021 483 3235Herman van der Westhuizen
Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of Health
+27 483 2627
