WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The Western Cape government Health Department Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to 4 852 incidents in the province over the past long weekend.
The top ten incident types were non-cardiac pain (795), respiratory complaints (594), obstetric complaints (545), abdominal complaints (315), neurological complaints (300), vomiting/diarrhoea (246), weapons assault (245), musculoskeletal complaints (190), fever (152), and convulsions (135).
Two attacks on EMS officials occurred during the past weekend: the stoning of an ambulance and staff held at gun point.
On Friday, 24 April at 19:42, in Baden Powell road and Walter Sisulu drive in Enkanini, Khayaletsha, an ambulance was stoned during a protest.
In addition to the first attack, an attack on EMS officials took place in AZ Berman and Spine roads in Mitchells Plain on Monday, 27 April at 20:00.
The vehicle was stoned and a suspect approached the vehicle with a firearm. Despite being held at gun point, the EMS officials managed to get away. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries in both instances and both incidents were reported to police.
EMS spokesperson, Deanna Bessick, says there were 18 attacks on EMS officials in the period from 1 January to 28 April.
"Although there were no serious physical injuries in most cases, these attacks leave EMS officials traumatised.
"They go beyond and above the call of duty, risking their lives daily to save the lives of the people in communities. We are therefore urging the public to protect and support EMS officials."
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