Two Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officials were forced to flee for their lives after armed suspects opened fire on their ambulance while they were transporting a patient in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) condemned the attack, which happened at about 1.30am on August 29 on the N1 highway shortly after Phumlani Plaza.
The EMS crew was transporting a patient from Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital to Jubilee Hospital for a down-referral when the ambulance was reportedly spiked.
The officials stopped to assess the vehicle, unaware that they were about to come under attack.
According to the GDoH, two male suspects approached the ambulance and fired shots at the officials.
“GDoH condemns in the strongest terms the armed attack on two Gauteng EMS personnel while performing their duties in the early hours of this morning,”
Crew forced to flee
The two officials immediately took steps to get away from the danger.
One fled on foot and sought safety in a nearby area, while the other managed to drive away from the scene.
The Emergency Communication Centre was alerted following the incident, prompting Gauteng EMS management, other available crews and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to respond.
The patient was not left behind.
The GDoH said the patient remained stable and was transferred to another ambulance before being safely transported to Jubilee Hospital.
“Following the incident, the Emergency Communication Centre was alerted, and Gauteng EMS management, other available EMS crews and the SAPS responded. The patient remained stable, was transferred to another ambulance and safely transported to Jubilee Hospital.”
The two EMS officials were subsequently taken to a medical facility for assessment.
Support offered to traumatised officials
The department has also activated its Employee Wellness services to assist the officials following the traumatic incident.
“The department has activated its Employee Wellness services and is providing emotional and psychological support to assist the officials in dealing with the trauma arising from the incident.”
The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of frontline emergency workers, who are frequently required to respond to incidents in potentially dangerous environments.
The department said EMS personnel work around the clock to provide critical medical care yet continue to face violence while carrying out their duties.
“We are deeply concerned that EMS personnel, who work around the clock to save lives and provide essential medical services, continue to face violence while carrying out their duties.”
‘Patients are also put at risk’
The GDoH warned that attacks on emergency medical workers have consequences beyond the immediate danger faced by the officials.
When ambulances and crews are attacked or forced to withdraw from an area, emergency responses can be delayed, potentially placing critically ill or injured patients at further risk.
The department urged communities and members of the public to protect EMS personnel and assist law enforcement agencies in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
“Furthermore, attacks on EMS personnel do not only endanger healthcare workers, but also delays emergency services and place patients who urgently need medical attention at risk.”
The GDoH said it remained committed to the safety and wellbeing of its employees and would continue working with SAPS and other stakeholders to strengthen measures aimed at protecting frontline healthcare workers.
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Xolile Mtembu
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