24-hour chopper gives rescue services a lift
TO BEAT the traffic in the rush to save lives Netcare 911 has brought in a helicopter to Durban for the festive season which will be available 24 hours a day.
“We’ve had helicopters stationed here before, but this is the first time we’ve had a 24-hour operation,” said Durban spokesperson Shawn Herbst.
The inclusion of helicopters around the country was launched three weeks ago, and the one for Kwazulu-natal will be stationed at Virginia Airport.
“We found there was a need, especially because of long-distance cases, and when traffic was backed up – for example on the N3 at Marianhill, where it’s difficult to pass through with a vehicle,” said Herbst.
The emergency services company has also deployed additional emergency care staff at points along the N3 between Kwazulu-natal and Gauteng.
The helicopter has already been used for a rescue operation in the Midlands this week, when a 14-yearold boy fell down the Karkloof Falls.
“He was removed from the water by members of the public. SAPS Search and Rescue set up a rope system to move him to safety.
“Due to the nature of his injuries, the Netcare 5 specialised helicopter ambulance was called to airlift the patient to hospital,” Herbst said.
Motorists have been urged to avoid overlooking “common things” that could lead to a life or death situation on the road.
“Wear your seatbelts, slow down, have appropriate car seats for your children,” Herbst said. “Have a first aid kit in your car, as this will solve a lot of problems in an emergency. Check your cars properly and have a service done before leaving for a long trip.
“People sometimes break down in the middle of the highway or have to stop to change a tyre which could lead to another accident. These are common things that can be avoided if you attend to them,” he said.
Director of business development and support services, Shalen Ramduth, said: “Experience over the years has shown that this is an especially busy time on the roads, which often leads to an increase in the number of serious and often tragic road accidents.
“We hope the high-visibility of the Netcare 911 team will help to keep road safety top of mind among road users, and thereby contribute to preventing some accidents.”