EMERGENCY services officials in Cape Town have again been left traumatised and injured, following two attacks last week.
EMS spokesperson, Deanna February, said they strongly condemned the attacks on their staff and would continue to implement essential measures to ensure that EMS officials were kept safe, particularly when entering “red zones”.
During 2021, there were 78 attacks on EMS personnel. So far this year, there have been six attacks on emergency services staff.
On Tuesday at about 2.30pm, EMS officials were travelling in a service vehicle and when four men stopped them in the middle of the road in Philippi. They threatened the personnel with a firearm and pulled them out of the vehicle.
“A female official was attacked and hit with the firearm on her back. The vehicle was stolen, with no trace of it since. The incident occurred in Eisleben Road in Philippi, and the police are investigating,” February said.
The next evening in Eerste River, the ambulance in which emergency services crew were travelling came under attack. A group stoned the ambulance, causing extensive damage.
“Fortunately there were no serious physical injuries, but the EMS officials were severely traumatised following this senseless attack, and have been supported with counselling and given time off, if required,” February said.
She said there has been a worrying increase in attacks on staff which impacts service delivery to the community. “Although most attacks do not result in serious physical injuries, essential health services are being disrupted. The poor response time is most severely felt by the most vulnerable.
“These attacks leave staff traumatised and fearing for their lives, while fulfilling their duties. They go beyond the call of duty, risking their lives daily to save the lives of people in the communities.
February urged the public to “protect and support” EMS officials, and to immediately their nearest police station.