The Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on Wednesday unveiled its new fleet of 220 ambulances and vehicles ahead of the festive season.
The new fleet is made up of ambulances in various categories including 200 Intermediate Life Support and 20 Intensive Care Unit ambulances fleet will also be used to respond to the Covid-19 fourth wave.
These ambulances will be deployed across the province during the festive period, a time which is marked by a high demand for emergency medical services.
Gauteng EMS unveils new Ambulances 
Gauteng MEC for Health Dr. Nomathemba Mokgethi said: “The unveiling of this new fleet is a demonstration of our commitment to ensure Gauteng has EMS that is fully capacitated to respond to emergencies.
“We have already started a recruitment process to ensure that we have enough human capital to manage these cars.”
In addition, in the last three months, the Gauteng EMS recruited 160 new staffers in various categories including basic life support, intermediate life support, and advanced life support.
These new recruits have been deployed across the Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg Health Districts.
Mokgethi urged the public to work closely with EMS and stop the attacks on ambulances and staff.
“As we enter the festive period we call on our people to be careful on the roads,” said Mokgethi.
“Not to drink and drive and take breaks if travelling long distances. We are still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, we urge the public to continue adhering to the non-pharmaceutical measures.”
The Gauteng EMS on average receives 47 916 and 47 657 annual calls for November and December respectively.
“The majority of the cases received during this period are for motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and gunshot wounds,” said Kwara Kekana, spokesperson for the MEC for Health.
“The new EMS fleet will ensure that districts are better resourced as part of ongoing efforts to improve overall service delivery, increase operational efficiencies, streamline services and create a seamless emergency medical service in Gauteng.”
