Another Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew has been attacked, the 12th so far this year, sparking an urgent call for communities to protect these vital teams and provide information to police to help track down the gangs responsible.
In 2021, a dozen similar incidents were recorded, reports News24, with staff not only robbed at gunpoint of cellphones, wallets and bags, but also being subjected to attempted sexual assault, hijacking, and running the gauntlet of their ambulance being stoned as they drive to emergencies.
In the latest case, the crew of the service, known as the Green Angels, was held up by armed men while waiting for their escort to the Angelo shack settlement in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
The Gauteng Health Department has condemned “the continuing senseless attacks on EMS personnel”.
“These incidents do not only put lives of the Green Angels in danger but make it difficult for them to provide emergency medical services to those who desperately need it,” it said. MEC for Health Nomathemba Mokgethi called on communities to provide police with information to help their investigations into these attacks.
The emergency medical service is in high demand, with more than 490 000 calls received between September 2021 and August 2022.
News24 article – Emergency service crew robbed while waiting for police escort (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Western Cape emergency services under sustained attack
Ambulance shortages and paramedic attacks cripple Gauteng emergency services
Paramedics threaten to withdraw night services after attacks
Attacks on paramedics increasing in KZN, WC, Gauteng and FS
Hospersa wants plan to stop attacks on emergency personnel