An emergency medical services (EMS) ambulance was stoned while attending to an emergency call in Westlake on Sunday.
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According to ward councillor Carolynne Franklin, the incident occurred around 10am. ‘The reprehensible incident took place in Westlake Village at approximately 10am. There were no physical injuries to the crew but the ambulance has been damaged.’
‘The crew have been removed from shift and offered counselling. I urge the SAPS to work with the community to bring the perpetrators to book. The crew have been removed from shift and offered counselling. I urge the SAPS to work with the community to bring the perpetrators to book.’
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg told IOL that Kirstenhof police are investigating a case of malicious property damage. ‘No arrests have been made yet. The investigation is still ongoing.’
Over the past year, more than 40 attacks have been directed at EMS personnel, says EMS operations manager Shakira Hartley. ‘The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is committed to working together with communities to improve the health of all our citizens.’
‘Emergency cases require life-saving interventions by highly trained and dedicated Emergency Medical Services personnel in a safe environment. The impact of nearly 40 assaults on EMS personnel and service vehicles reported in 2023, unfortunately, hampers the effectiveness and efficiency of these interventions.’
‘We ask members of the community to show solidarity with our EMS personnel by enabling a safe environment in which these heroes can save the lives of members of the community and their friends, family, parents, and children.’
The Western Cape’s minister of health and wellness condemned the attack, stating that EMS officials provide life-saving treatment, particularly during the festive season. ‘I condemn the attack on EMS personnel in Westlake on Sunday. While there were no injuries, the vehicle was damaged when it stoned unprovoked and has left these officials in shock.’
‘Our EMS officials are the ones who provide life-saving treatment and are playing a crucial role in the healthcare system, especially during the festive season. I look forward to the investigation ensuring (…) the perpetrators are brought to justice.’
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WC paramedics respond to 4 549 incidents over the past weekend
Picture: Western Cape Government
