Health department beefs up security for ambulances

THE provincial department of health has roped in law enforcement to stamp out a recent spate of attacks on ambulances in some districts in the Eastern Cape that has put several vehicles temporarily out of service.

Health spokesman Lwandile Sicwetsha said yesterday that 11 ambulances were attacked in the last month while responding to emergencies and transporting patients in Mzamomhle, Keiskammahoek, Dimbaza, Peddie, King William’s Town, Alice, Fort Beaufort, Tsholomnqa and Duncan Village.

The Dispatch reported earlier that paramedics were demanding police escorts. Sicwetsha said the attacks had been reported to police.

“They have been referred to crime intelligence and state security for further, specialised investigation. There have been no fatalities from the attacks,” he said.

Some of the ambulances had been repaired and were back on the road, while others sustained more serious damage and remain grounded.

Sicwetsha said the attacks endangered the lives of emergency services personnel and patients.

“Emergency services are there to save lives of the most vulnerable and indigent people who require urgent medical attention at our health facilities.

“These attacks mean fewer vehicles will be available to respond to emergency calls.

“We will be engaging with police, community police forums, and state and private security companies to arrest the situation. We stress the need for community support in preventing further attacks.

“We find it strange that these attacks happen during responses to emergencies. We want all sectors of security services to come on board and help us curb these attacks. Attacking an ambulance which is going out to save a life is bizarre,” he said.

Sicwetsha said the attacks were not believed to be connected to the unprotected ambulance strike that has brought emergency services in various parts of the province to a halt.

“At the moment we cannot suspect our staff because they are injured in the process of these attacks.

“They understand the importance of the services they provide and they wouldn’t cause themselves harm.”

Cases have been opened, he said.

“We call on all communities to be on the lookout for attacks on EMS personnel and vehicles. The department is committed to ensuring the safety of emergency personnel and patients in transit.

“We call out to communities to assist in bringing the culprits forward, and to ensure that when ambulances respond to emergency calls they are protected by the community,” Sicwetsha said. —