DA calls for protection of EMS staff amid ‘senseless attacks’

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has condemned the attacks on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. 

This comes after EMS staff were attacked on the job on Saturday 28 March and Sunday 29 March. DA Western Cape Spokesperson for Health Wendy Philander said there were four attacks in the last week alone. 

The attacks often occur in what the Western Cape Government has labelled as red zones and where communities need these services the most. 

EMS staff fundamentally important during COVID-19 pandemic 

Philander explained that the “senseless attacks” are particularly concerning at a time like this, where EMS personnel are fundamentally important in the fight against COVID-19. 

“EMS staff nonetheless risk their lives to provide critical services,” she said. 

Philander said there are measures in place, however, the attacks continue to haunt the department. 

“SAPS escort EMS staff to red zones and ambulances are fit with trackers. EMS staff receive trauma counselling after attacks in conjunction with the ongoing senior EMS leadership support programme. The provincial Department of Health works with community stakeholders as well as private sector stakeholders to continue to provide critical services despite precarious circumstances,” she said. 

DA says emergency staff are under immense pressure 

On the weekend of 13-15 March, EMS staff responded to over 5 000 calls for help in the Western Cape. 

“This level of service load places immense pressure on staff, and having to deal with criminal attacks on top of this is completely unacceptable and unnecessary,” she said. 

The DA called on communities to help protect EMS staff. If they happen to witness an attack, they should immediately call the police. 

“In these unprecedented times, where our health care services are already stretched, we cannot allow for these senseless acts to continue. Doing our part as responsible communities, we need to ensure that those looking after us, in this case emergency staff, are unharmed in executing their duties,” said Philander.   

“I call on each and every member of our communities to do their part to ensure we protect the safety of EMS staff. If residents suspect or witness any of these attacks, please report it to the nearest police station immediately,” she added. 

The DA in the Western Cape said it supports the whole of society’s approach to fighting these senseless crimes, especially as the country faces unprecedented times of pressure in the healthcare system.