Cape Town – Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has called for communities to protect emergency medical services teams, following the recent attack on the Green Angels crew.
The incident occurred on Sunday.
The crew was robbed of belongings at gunpoint while they were waiting for a security escort at a local filling station.
The emergency medical service team was going to attend a call to the Angelo shack settlement in Boksburg, Johannesburg, said the Gauteng Department of Health in a statement.
“The department condemns the continuing senseless attacks on EMS personnel. These incidents do not only put lives of the Green Angels in danger but make it difficult for them to provide emergency medical services to those who desperately need it,” the department stated.
MEDIA STATEMENT || GAUTENG HEALTH CONDEMNS CONTINUING SENSELESS ATTACKS ON EMS PERSONNEL pic.twitter.com/xCD1d3qZbj
— Official_GautengEMS (@GautengEMS) September 18, 2022
The department said that in 2022 alone, there have been 11 attacks on emergency medical services crews, with employees subjected to attempted sexual assault, hijacking and ambulances being stoned as they drive to emergencies.
It also urged communities to not allow criminals to deny those in need their right to emergency medical service by reporting any information that can assist with the investigation to the police.
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Picture: Twitter/ @GautengEMS
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
