The Western Cape Government Health's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to 4 549 incidents in the Western Cape over the weekend, including 168 road traffic incidents. Ambulance crews were also escorted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to attend to 65 incidents in Mitchells Plain, 18 in Hanover Park, and four in Chicago, Paarl.
The top five incident types for the weekend included non-cardiac pain (715), weapon assault (707), respiratory complaints (442), obstetric complaints (282), and neurological complaints (258).
Most patients were transported to the Tygerberg, Worcester and George Hospitals. The other healthcare facilities that saw 100 or more patients this weekend were Groote Schuur, Paarl and Mitchells Plain hospitals.
Top Six Receiving Facilities |
|
Tygerberg Hospital |
205 |
Worcester Hospital |
163 |
George Hospital |
134 |
Groote Schuur Hospital |
112 |
Paarl Hospital |
105 |
Mitchells Plain Hospital |
100 |
A total of 46% of all incidents responded to by EMS were in the Cape Metropole, followed by Garden Route district (17%), and Cape Winelands district (16%). As October is dedicated to transport and road safety, EMS is concerned by the number of pedestrian-related incidents paramedics were called out to attend to this weekend, with 29 incidents reported in the Cape Metro district, nine in the Garden Route district, and six in the Cape Winelands district.
“We salute the brave EMS staff members who continually to do their work and serve the community, despite the challenges they must endure at times. We also thank our partners who have each contributed across various sectors to ensure a wide support network,” says Dr Shaheem de Vries, Western Cape EMS Director.
Byron la Hoe – 072 368 0596