Government is seeking comment within three months on proposals for regulating emergency medical services. These regulations are called the Regulations relating to the Standards for Emergency Medical Services, 2020, and will come into operation 12 months after the date of promulgation.
They propose what are apparently the minimum requirements to be met in “promoting and protecting” the health and safety of patients transported by ambulance, medical rescue vehicle or medical response vehicle – and the healthcare personnel involved.
These are dealt with under the broad categories of patient rights; clinical governance, care and support; facilities and infrastructure; operational management; and the role of provincial health departments in “oversight and accountability”.
Provision is also made for “emergency and disaster preparedness”.
[link url="https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202102/44161gon94.pdf"]Full Government Gazette report[/link]