Rusa uses ‘simulations’
PREM Balram of Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) says the Verulam-based security company established a paramedic arm in September 2013
The unit’s 12 staff are trained in intermediate life support (ILS) and basic ambulance assistance (BAA).
He said it was compulsory for all paramedics to undergo regular training, which was monitored by the Health Professional Council of SA. The paramedics are also tested by a senior paramedic. There is also in-house training.
They also undergo a simulation to ensure they meet company standards.
Rusa has three ambulances, including a medical response vehicle, with “all ambulances containing equipment that exceeds the requirement set by the inspecting body”.
The service is licensed with the Board of Healthcare Funders and the Department of Health, and belongs to the South African Private Ambulance Emergency Services Association.
He says paramedics handle about 15 cases in 24 hours on average.
Balram also reports a battle to get hospitals to accept patients, with other challenges being dealing with emotional families at emergency scenes and a lack of prosecution of drunk drivers.
“It’s not the number of services that is worrying,” he says. “It’s the quality of care provided.”
On allegations of paramedics working with tow truck operators, he urges a clampdown on this. ACCIMED Response in Phoenix has been in operation since 2001, says Viky Januk.
It has 20 medics, including part-time employees, and the level of training ranges from basic to advanced life support.
“Health-care practitioners have a responsibility to continually update their professional knowledge and skills for the benefit of patients. Every practitioner is required to accumulate 30 continuing education units in a 12-month period, and five must be on ethics, human rights and medical law.”
Regarding the company’s employment procedure, he says: “Paramedics are trained at various institutions and generally approach us for additional, on-the-road training.”
The company has six ambulances equipped to specifications and is compliant with the Road Traffic Act. It complies with Board of Healthcare Funders requirements.
Of callouts, Januk says: “It’s difficult to estimate, but on an average there are about eight callouts per shift.”
He says that among the challenges paramedics face on duty are safety concerns, especially during night shifts, with crews being forced to request police escorts when entering certain areas.
Responding to emergencies in bad weather and poor road conditions also put the medics and vehicles at risk.
“The number of private ambulance companies has increased in recent years,” he says. “Legislation that has been proposed will see a more regulated industry. The launch of the recent new provincial ambulances will assist in meeting the needs of the public, reducing the need for new private ambulance companies.”
Of allegations that paramedics work with tow truck operators for a spotter fee, he says: “We get calls from members of the public, passersby and hospitals. An ambulance service is considered an essential service. We often get called out by tow truck operators as they play a role in the road incident management system. Accimed will not pay or engage in any form of touting.”