Speaking during the commemoration of the national Emergency Medical Services which is celebrated annually on 17 October, MEC Maruping Lekwene said that his department, supported by the National Department of Health, will appoint 350 EMS personnel on a phased approach. 

This is after committing to gradually increasing the number of ambulances and personnel.

Lekwene said that his department has processed the procurement of 54 vehicles, consisting of 32 ambulances, 20 4x4 ambulances with off-road capacity and two patient transporters. 

He also stated that the acquisition of more ambulances and hiring of more personnel is in response to issues such as two-person ambulance crews, the number of operational ambulances, and response times to emergency calls.

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Lekwene further explained that at the beginning of the current financial year, his department had announced the implementation of a new computer-aided dispatch system at EMS call centres, aimed at ensuring that calls are properly recorded and prioritised for purposes of responding to patients on time.

He revealed that the 1st phase of the system will officially be launched in Upington on 19 October 2022.

The provincial EMS celebrations will be held on 3 November 2022. Lekwene said the purpose of a national EMS Day is to raise awareness about the role played by EMS personnel in society and to create a platform of recognition and special achievements for all EMS staff that often go beyond the call of duty to assist communities.

OFM News