Gauteng Unveils Over 200 New Ambulances Ahead of Festive Season

Gauteng Emergency Services (EMS) has unveiled 220 new ambulances as part of their festive season readiness programme.

These ambulances will be deployed across the province during the festive period at a time which is marked by  a time which is marked by a high demand for emergency medical services. 

The new fleet will also be used to respond to the COVID-19 fourth wave.

The Gauteng Emergency Services says it has also recruited more than 160 personnel in various categories including basic life support, intermediate life support and advanced life support and spread across the Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg Health Districts. 

Gauteng Health Department’s Kwarra Kekana says the EMS on average receives over 96,000 calls during November and December with the majority of them being motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and gunshot wounds.

“The new fleet is made up of ambulances in various categories including 200 Intermediate Life Support (ILS) and 20 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulances. The recapitalization of EMS fleet has been extended until 2023, this is line with the ever-growing population of Gauteng, and will enable Gauteng EMS to adequately respond emergencies.” 

Gauteng Health MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi said the unveiling of this new fleet is a demonstration of the provinces commitment to ensure Gauteng has EMS that is fully capacitated to respond to emergencies. 

Mokgethi also urged the public to work closely with EMS and stop the attacks on ambulances and its staff.