ER24 Media Blog

Bloemfontein – Bakkie Over Turns Leaving Four Injured.

2010-08-20T01:41:00.002+02:00

An accident has taken place on the N1 this evening about 70km outside Bloemfontein in the direction of Cape Town, involving a bakkie and a trailer that had lost control and over turned.

When ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene, they found the bakkie lying on its side with two occupants lying about twenty meters away from the vehicle. The third occupant was found lying near the front of the vehicle, while the fourth was found seated on the road side.

The two patients found furthest away from the vehicle were in a critical condition. Both had suffered severe head injuries and needed advanced life support intervention. They were intubated and placed onto a ventilator and stabilised further. The other two occupants were treated for serious neck and back injuries. All four occupants were transported to Bloemfontein Medi-Clinic for further medical care.

It is unclear how the driver lost control or why the vehicle rolled but the necessary authorities were on the scene and would be investigating the incident further.

Man's Hand Chopped Off

2010-08-19T16:07:00.001+02:00

ER24 paramedics were called to the Sharpville Police Station in Vereeniging for a young man who’s hand had allegedly been cut off by a panga.

It seems that two men had been arguing when a panga was pulled out, and the twenty one year olds left hand was chopped off at the wrist. The details are still unclear, but the man was taken to the Sharpville Police Station, along with the hand to await emergency medical treatment. Fortunately, the hand was placed on ice, and as paramedics arrived, they began treating the man. He had suffered blood loss and was in a moderate amount of pain. He was given fluid supplements through a drip, and pain medication. The paramedics also made further attempts to preserve the hand.

The ER24 Discovery Medicopter was called in to assist with transporting the man to hospital, so as to increase the chance for reattachment of the hand in surgery. The patient will be airlifted to the Pretoria Academic hospital where surgeons will be waiting to take the man to theater.

Pietermaritzburg - Taxi Accident Leaves One Dead

2010-08-19T15:00:00.002+02:00

A child has been killed and six other commuters have sustained serious injuries after a taxi collided into the side of a farmer’s bakkie on the R617 near Underberg this afternoon.

Emergency personnel arrived at the scene and found the taxi lying on its roof near the bakkie that was just a few meters away. The young child was found lying on the road in a pool of blood. Unfortunately, the child was already deceased by the time paramedics arrived on the scene.

The six commuters were found scattered around the scene and all had sustained serious injuries. One patient had sustained a partial amputation to his arm, while the other five had sustained massive abrasions, lacerations and severe fractures.

Advanced Life Support intervention had to be performed on the patients before they were transported to various hospitals in the area for further medical care.

It is unclear what happened in this collision, but the necessary authorities were on the scene to investigate the incident further.

Trench Collapses On Man

2010-08-17T21:46:00.002+02:00

The details of the incident are still unclear, but according to ER24 paramedics on scene, the details are as follows:

It seems that an unknown number of men had began digging two parallel trenches around a half a meter apart, approximately two to three meters deep and ten to twenty meters long. It is further believed that they were extracting copper cable from these trenches on a private industry's land in Welkom. As they continued extracting the cable, the middle wall between the two trenches gave way, causing the clay-like mud to collapse inward.

ER24 paramedics were called to the scene to assist with possible patients, but all they could determine was that there was one man who was almost completely stuck in the mud. All that was visible was a small section of his face, and there was no possibility of removing him from the heavy soil. The local Bronville police force was on the scene, as well as the Welkom Flying Squad. After the middle wall of the trench had collapsed the man's accomplices had run to a nearby police station to alert the officials of the incident.

Paramedics had to wait on scene for heavy rescue equipment to dig up the heavy soil in order to free the man's body. He is presumed deceased from him injuries. The police will be investigating the incident.

Nature Reserve Truck Overturns

2010-08-17T19:14:00.000+02:00

A truck full of workers has overturned within the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. It seems that the driver lost control of the vehicle shortly before 4pm this afternoon, possibly due to mechanical failure, although the exact cause of the accident is still uncertain and will need to be investigated by the necessary authorities. It is further believed that the truck was travelling down a tar road in the Reserve, coming around a bend toward a T-Junction where he would have turned right to go towards the exit. The truck then collided with a curb, causing it to overturn onto its side.

The truck is believed to have been returning the occupants to their homes after a days work within the Reserve. As the truck lost control and rolled some of the occupants were ejected while others remained inside the rear canvas covered compartment of the vehicle. ER24 paramedics explained that when they arrived on the scene there were a number of patients lying around the truck on the ground.

Fortunately no one was fatally injured in the accident, but two men, who are believed to have been flung from the truck, sustained critical injuries and were removed from the scene by two Medicopters. One man, who had sustained serious injury to his hips and his chest was airlifted to a Johannesburg hospital by the ER24 Discovery Medicopter. He was however fully alert and in severe pain. He was given pain medication by Advanced Life Support paramedics on the scene, stabilised and prepared for the Medicopter to transport him to a medical facility as soon as possible for further treatment. The other man was rushed to theater shortly after arrival at the hospital.

Two other men sustained possible back and neck injuries and were loaded onto specialised equipment before being taken to nearby hospitals by road ambulances. A further eighteen to twenty patients were transported to surrounding hospitals for further assessment and treatment of minor injuries that they had sustained. It is believed that a further five or so patients had left the scene with private vehicles prior to the arrival of paramedics, and it is unclear as to whether they had sustained injury or not.

The patients treated were a mixture of males and females, with ages estimated to be between twenty and fifty years old. They had all sustained various injuries ranging from possible broken bones, back and neck injuries, chest injuries, lacerations and minor scrapes and bruises.

Woman Allegedly Assaulted On Her Lunch Break

2010-08-17T09:35:00.000+02:00

It seems that the thirty year old woman was leaving for her lunch break from her place of work in McGregor street, Bloemfontein, when she was allegedly assaulted.

ER24 paramedics were called to the scene by her colleagues when they saw her walking back to the office and she seemed to be staggering. They then noted that she had collapsed as she had entered the gate of the premises.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, the woman was in a great deal of pain, but she was fully alert and remembered what had happened. She explained that she was going to get lunch when she was approached by an unknown suspect who allegedly assaulted her with a blunt object to the head. Upon assessment, paramedics found that she had a fracture of her skull, and they bandaged the wound, stopped the bleeding and loaded her onto specialised equipment into the ambulance. She was then transported to a nearby hospital where she will receive further assessment and treatment for her injuries.

No other people seemed to have been involved in this incident, and it is still unclear as to whether the lady had any of her personal belongings taken from her during the alleged assault. The city police were on scene to take statements for investigation.

Six Injured In Collision

2010-08-16T15:43:00.000+02:00

A collision on French road in Pietermaritzburg near the Makro has left six people injured after a light motor vehicle and a municipal bakkie collided this afternoon.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene and found the two vehicles in the middle of the road. The driver of the bakkie and three passengers were found outside the vehicle and were treated for minor abrasions and lacerations. They were stabilised and transported to Pietermaritzburg Medi-Clinic in a stable condition for further medical care.

The driver and passenger of the light motor vehicle, an elderly couple, were both found inside the car. The wife who was entrapped was extricated by the local Fire Department by means of the Jaws Of Life and other hydraulic equipment. Both her and her husband were treated for possible neck and back injuries and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment.

It is unclear who was at fault but the local authorities were on the scene and would be investigating the incident further.

Police Officer Air Lifted Due To Critical Injuries.

2010-08-15T14:29:00.000+02:00

Three police officers were injured this afternoon when the vehicle they were travelling in over turned on the R549 near the Vaal Dam in the direction of Deneysville.

ER24 paramedics along with other emergency personnel arrived on the scene and found the light motor vehicle down an embankment; all three occupants were found outside the vehicle. The one police officer was found walking around on the scene with minor injuries. His colleague was found near the vehicle and he had suffered possible neck and back injuries. These two men were transported by ambulance to Vereeniging Medi-Clinic for further medical assistance.

A third officer was found about twenty meters from the overturned vehicle and was in a critical condition. He had suffered severe head and chest injuries and required advanced life support intervention. The patient was stabilised and airlifted by the ER24 Discovery Medicopter in a critical but stable condition to Union Hospital where trauma staff were waiting.

It is unclear what caused the accident but the necessary authorities were on the scene and will investigate the incident further.

Cyclist Critical After Being Knocked Down

2010-08-12T12:36:00.003+02:00

A cyclist in his late thirties has been left with critical injuries after he was riding his bicycle on Barrage Road near Vanderbijlpark this morning. A bakkie then collided with the man, throwing him a few meters from his bicycle.

The bakkie did not seem badly damaged, but as ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene, they noticed that the man who was lying in the road was critically injured. He had sustained what seemed to be a severe head injury and he was not breathing but had a pulse. Paramedics took over his breathing manually and stabilised his condition before loading him into the ambulance to transport to hospital.

The driver of the bakkie was left physically uninjured in the accident, and the police will be investigating the cause.

Taxis Collide Head On In Fourways

2010-08-12T12:35:00.000+02:00

Two taxis have collided head on at the Grosvenor Crossing intersection of William Nicol and Main Road in Fourways. ER24 paramedics on the scene said that the two mangled taxis landed up in the middle of the intersection after they had collided.

According to those paramedics on scene, there were people all over the road, some were able to still walk around while others were lying in the road. Others were still trapped in the mangled vehicles. All emergency services in the areas provided resources to deal with the large number of patients on the scene.

Six people had sustained critical injuries and needed Advanced Life Support treatment, two of them were actually airlifted from the scene by helicopter and were transported to a Johannesburg hospital for treatment. Seven other had sustained serious injuries, while a further eleven had only sustained minor injuries. The patients were a mixture of males and females, and it would appear that there were no children involved.

Paramedics spent two hours on the scene, and the intersection was almost completely blocked to the early morning peak hour traffic. Fortunately the Police and Metro Police were on scene to assist with traffic flow and keeping the scene safe for the emergency workers and patients.

Truck Falls 50 Meters Into River

2010-08-10T15:20:00.000+02:00

ER24 paramedics were called to the R59 at the Vaal River bridge, just before the Voortrekker Road off ramp after bystanders witnesses an articulated truck leaving the road falling into the river below.

It appeared that the male driver of the truck was still inside the vehicle when the accident occurred. As paramedics arrived on the scene, they noticed that the side barrier of the bridge was ripped apart, and as they looked over, they saw the back end of a large truck's container, floating approximately a meter out of the brown water. The cabin of the truck was not visible. Immediately, rescue divers were notified and called to the scene.

Unfortunately, the water level was very high, with the truck lying almost in the middle of the river between the two banks. It would prove impossible for paramedics to access the vehicle, and they would have to wait upon the divers to arrive. Fortunately they were on scene within minutes, and they began trying to access the river from the banks below.

Updates from the paramedics on scene, almost an hour after the incident is believed to have occurred, the divers were still struggling to find the front cabin of the truck. It seems that the trucks' front may have become detached from the rear containers as it crashed toward the river, therefore landing somewhat away from the rear.

It is still unclear as to what may have caused this incident, and whether there was more than one person in the vehicle at the time. It is also presumed that the driver is deceased, whether due to mechanism or drowning. Rescue divers will continue every effort to locate the man.

Traffic over the bridge became severely affected as community members learner of the accident and wanted to have a look. Police and traffic services were on scene assisting with traffic and the influx of people.

Mechanic Injured By Tractor

2010-08-09T10:30:00.000+02:00

A mechanic to be in his late thirties has sustained serious injuries after a tractor that he was working on, rolled over him. The incident took place on a farm in Richmond just outside Pietermaritzburg this morning.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find the man lying on the floor near the tractor with members of the family assisting him. The patient was assessed and found that he may have a fractured pelvis and possible internal injuries. Advanced Life Support intervention had to be performed before the patient was placed on a specialised board and transported to Pietermaritzburg Medi-Clinic in a serious but stable condition.

It is unclear to what really happened but it is believed that the mechanic was under the tractor and somehow the tractor rolled forward going over the lower back of the patient.

Car Collides Into Cow, Passenger Injured.

2010-08-09T08:31:00.000+02:00

A family on their way home from a night out never expected to find cows running around on the N3 Pietermaritzburg bound near Cato Ridge in the late part of yesterday evening.

The driver was able to veer out of the way for one of the cows but unfortunately collided into the second one just a few meters away. The collision occurred on the passenger side of the vehicle. The impact caused the cow to be killed instantly.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene and found the vehicle in the centre medium with the cow just a few meters away. The passenger who was a lady to be in her fifties had sustained severe facial injuries. Advanced Life Support Intervention had to be performed before she could be stabilised further on the scene. The driver and back passenger sustained minor injuries. The patients were transported to Pietermaritzburg Medi-Clinic for further medical treatment.

It is unclear at this stage who the cows belong to but reports came in that there where fifteen cows roaming the freeway at the time of the incident.

Elderly Woman Knocked Down By Taxi.

2010-08-06T14:00:00.000+02:00

What was meant to have being a day out with family turned into a night mare for an elderly woman after had been struck down by a taxi in Howick this morning.

Bystanders contacted ER24 through the national contact number on 084124 and informed the call taker that there had been an accident and that a woman was stuck underneath the taxi. Paramedics arrived on the scene within minutes of the call being taken. The elderly woman by this time had been removed from underneath the taxi by the members of public.

The woman was treated for serious injuries and needed advanced life support intervention. A drip was put up and she was given fluid and pain medication before she was transported to Pietermaritzburg Medi-Clinic in a serious but stable condition for further medical care.

It is believed that the elderly woman drove up from Pietermaritzburg to have early lunch with her family. She had just parked her car and was crossing the road when the taxi came around the corner and collided into the patient. The impact caused her to be drag underneath the taxi for a few meters.

Working hard pays off

2010-08-06T11:30:00.004+02:00

In the month of July, ILS practitioner Riaz Arendse, was instrumental in dispatching the Discovery ER24 Medicopter to a scene in Tokai, Cape Town.

His hard work in this regard was awarded, when Mr Arendse received a Canal Walk shopping voucher for his effort. The token of appreciation was handed over by Als practitioner Bradley Klein, at the Base 4 hanger in Cape Town, where the medicopter operates from.

We would like to thank all staff of ER24 for their efforts in taking the Medicopter service from strength to strength, in the past few months.

House Robbery Gone Bad.

2010-08-06T01:43:00.001+02:00

For five people, the memory of tonight’s events will be forever etched in their minds after a robbery at their Welkom residence went horribly wrong.

The initial call received by ER24 was a stabbing, but when paramedics arrived on the scene, other emergency personnel on the scene informed us that members of the family had allegedly been assaulted and stabbed.

A man and a woman sustained multiple wounds to their body after they were apparently assaulted by a pipe of some sort. Another man sustained stab wounds and needed further medical care. An underage female and a young female, said to be in her early twenties, were assaulted. All patients were treated on the scene and transported to various hospitals in the area for further medical care.

It is believed that the suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of money and a motor vehicle. The necessary authorities were on the scene and would be investigating the incident further.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

2010-08-05T12:31:00.000+02:00

EMERGENCY CALL TAKERS

Competency Profile (Education, experience, skills & behaviour):

• You should have a minimum 1 year EMS call centre experience plus First Aid Level 3

• Customer Service Skills

• Relevant computer proficiency

• Proficiency in English

• Communication and listening skills

Key Deliverable:

• Call taking.

• Assess and prioritize calls accordingly.

• Data capture and analysis.

• Patient and client call backs.

• Follow up on primary calls

Package:

• Job grade: B3

• Salary: R8000 – R8800 CTC (depending on years of experience and level of qualification)

• Benefits: Medical aid and Provident Fund

EMERGENCY DISPATCHER

Competency Profile (Education, experience, skills & behaviour):

• Qualified dispatcher with at least 2 years experience in dispatching emergency resources.

• Experience in Radio Communication

• Minimum 1 year call taking experience

• Topographical knowledge of Southern Africa

• Relevant computer proficiency (MS office)

• Operational experience would be an advantage

Key Deliverable:

• Communication skills (written and verbal)

• Interpersonal relationship skills

• Analytical skills

• Technical skills

• Ability to manage resources appropriately

Package:

• Job grade: B4

• Salary: R9100 – R10300 CTC (depending on years of experience and level of qualification)

• Benefits: Medical aid and Provident Fund

INTER HOSPITAL TRANSFER AGENT

Competency Profile (Education, experience, skills & behaviour):

• Registration as a BAA with HPCSA

• 2 years Call Centre experience specific to Call Taking

• Good communication and listening skills

• Relevant computer proficiency

• Proficiency in English

• Topographical knowledge of South Africa

• Customer services skills

• Good clinical knowledge

• Good Time Management

• Case Management Skills

Key Deliverable:

• To ensure a smooth and efficient IHT process for customers

• Maintain service levels with all clients

• Facilitate IHT’s with all relevant role players

• Provide dispatchers with accurate information regarding equipment required for the transfer.

Package:

• Job grade: B3

• Salary: R 9000 – 9600 CTC (depending on years of experience and level of qualification)

• Benefits: Medical aid and Provident Fund

Interested applicants must please forward their CV’s and proof of compliance with requirements to hr@er24.co.za or 0867435859.

Please indicate on application for which discipline and branch you applying for.

Closing date for all of the above opportunities: 13 August 2010

One Person Critical After Taxi Accident

2010-08-05T10:21:00.002+02:00

ER24 paramedics on the scene of the N12 taxi accident in Benoni said that only one person was left with critical injuries after the taxi overturned.

It seems that the taxi experienced mechanical problems, a large possibility being that one of the tires had burst. It is clear from the tracks on the road that the taxi skidded along approximately fifty meters before the driver completely lost control of the vehicle, after which the taxi hit the roadside sand, and then clumps of grass, causing it to overturns onto its side, and skidding a further twenty meters coming to rest in the roadside grass.

When paramedics arrived on scene, they noticed that all the occupants were outside of the taxi, and most of them were walking around, brushing off the dust and debris. They were then alerted to a woman that was lying a few meters from the taxi, semi conscious and somewhat unresponsive. The twenty five year old appears to have been flung out of the vehicle as it turned onto its side, leaving her with a serious head injury.

Advanced Life Support paramedics had to sedate the young lady and placed her on manual ventilation until the ER24 Discovery Medicopter arrived on scene to airlift her to a Johannesburg hospital for further treatment. Strangely, none of the other occupants, including the of the taxi, appeared injured. Only one woman and her child were transported to hospital by ambulance as she was worried that her child was crying, so she rather opted to have her child checked by a physician. The rest of the occupants all took private transport to their various intended destinations.

The taxi was the only vehicle that was involved, and the necessary authorities will be controlling the investigation into the exact cause of this accident.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

2010-08-04T12:52:00.000+02:00

Advance Life Support (Paramedic)

Areas: CT West Metro, Pietermaritzburg, Nelspruit, Limpopo, Eastern Free State

Competency Profile (Education, experience, skills & behaviour):

· CCA or National Diploma/Degree in Emergency Medical care

· Valid EB driver’s license with PDP

· Registration with HPCSA

Key Deliverables:

· Patient care (within protocol) and transport of patients

· Handling and follow-up of all emergency calls

· Liaison with trauma staff and doctors

· Marketing and rendering of client service

· Completing relevant documentation

· Supervision of crews on shift

Package:

· Job grade: C4

· Salary: R18 900 – R21 400 CTC (depending on years of experience, area and level of qualification)

· Benefits: Medical aid and Provident Fund

Interested applicants must please forward their CV’s and proof of compliance with requirements to hr@er24.co.za Please indicate on application for which discipline and branch you applying for.

Closing date: 13 August 2010

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

2010-08-04T12:51:00.000+02:00

BLS INSTRUCTOR – RANDFONTEIN MINE AREA

(6 month contract)

Competency Profile (Education, experience, skills & behaviour):

· Minimum Basic Life Support qualification

· Minimum 2 years operational experience

· Fanagalo is an advantage

· Code B drivers license and PDP (G,P) compulsory

· Registration with HPCSA

· Instructor qualification or experience will be advantageous

· Fire department background is advantageous

Key Deliverables:

· Maintain clinical and equipment standards in relation to the training facility

· Manage and liaise relationships with external stakeholders pertaining to training and development.

· Prepare and present training programs as required

· Travel to location to conduct training

· Effective and efficient utilization and supervision of human and financial resources within set budget

· Liaise and develop courses within area of coverage

· Liaise and cement relations with contracted clients

Package:

· Job grade: C3

· Salary: R9000 CTC

Interested applicants must please forward their CV’s and proof of compliance with requirements to hr@er24.co.za or fax to 0867435859

Closing date: 13 August 2010

COMMUNITY REACHED OUT FOR PETER WESSELS OLD AGE HOME

2010-08-03T17:11:00.000+02:00

On Monday 2 August 2010 the news broke of a horrific fire at the Peter Wessels Old Age Home in Nigel. Initial reports on several electronic and print media explained that 18 elderly people died and over 80 were left stranded with only the clothes on their backs.

This morning news broke that four more elderly people died in hospital.

ER24 initiated a social network alert within our company to contribute in any way possible. Soon we were inundated with people all over South Africa offering assistance and requesting to make donations. Late yesterday afternoon ER24’s original Tweets and messages on Facebook tripled.

We were stunned when we received a phone call from Makro Head Office offering their support. Makro Head Office, Makro Germiston and MASSMART Holdings Limited, informed ER24 that they would contribute a total of R18 000.00 in goods to assist the elderly.

Today ER24 took two ambulances and a response vehicle to Makro Germiston to assist with the shopping spree for the elderly. They were so kind to donate 84 toiletry bags, which included shampoo, soap, face cloths, towels, toothbrushes and many more items. On top of this we loaded the two ambulances full with food and other items that would be needed.

As we thought that this would be it, we received more information of people that would wish to contribute. ER24’s staff from Johannesburg East and even as far as Vereeniging drove through to Nigel this afternoon to handover items.

A total of four ambulances and two response cars were filled with items.

Emotions ran high at the ER24 offices today as well as at the AFM Church in Dunnottar where the items were handed over. It was truly amazing to see and feel the community involvement and especially at such a short notice.

We were also informed this afternoon that an elderly lady from the fire had to be transferred to another Old Age Home. ER24’s Johannesburg East Branch offered to do the transfer free of charge.

Some of the paramedics explained that it was difficult experiencing at ground zero such a disaster.

We would like to thank everyone that came forward and those that pledged something towards the need of those that suffered and lost their live at the fire.

Please find a list below of people / companies that made today’s donation possible. I do apologise if I have left anyone out.

Makro Head Office Johannesburg, Makro Germiston - R10 000/ Foor and Consumables
MASSMART Holdings Limited - R 8 000 Toiletry bags (84)
Guy Hayword – Chief Financial Officer MASSMART
Brian Leroni – Corporate Affairs Executive MASSMART
Kevin Vuvyan-Day – CEO Makro South Africa
Medi Clinic Head Office Stellenbosch - Financial Assistance
Karen Worth - MASSMART - General Assistance
Rose Duffey – MAKRO SA - General Assistance
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre - SMS Donation Line
Michael Cannon - Part Time Medical Assistance
Linda Scott - Pledge
Sharon Cronje - Financial Assistance
Events & Pageants SA - Pledge / General Assistance
Word Christian Church - Pledge
ER24 Vereeniging Branch
ER24 Johannesburg East Branch
ER24 Special Events Department
ER24 Medicopter Ground Support Unit
Adv. Johan Jonck – ArriveAlive.co.za
Makro Germiston Staff

A community was brought together through a disaster, and lifted up with your assistance and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone and their families.

Prison Riot In Kimberly

2010-08-03T16:54:00.003+02:00

ER24 paramedics were called to the new prison in Kimberly on Smithdrift Road for assistance after a riot had allegedly broken out.

Paramedics treated six patients within the walls of the prison, five of whom were prison guards, and one who was an inmate. The five wardens had sustained possible smoke inhalation injuries, and the inmate was treated for a head injury.

It seems that a number of prisoners were able to find materials within the prison, and started a fire, and then allegedly began to riot. A further twenty two people were allegedly seen to at the on site clinic, and treated for possible smoke inhalation injuries, it seems that they were then returned to within the prison walls after assessment.

The cause of the riot is at this stage unknown, but the necessary officials will be investigating.

Taxi Accident Leaves 11 Injured.

2010-08-03T09:33:00.000+02:00

A collision has left eleven people injured after the taxi they were travelling in over turned on the R300 near the N2 fly over in the direction of Cape Town in the early parts of this morning.

ER24 arrived on the scene and found the taxi lying on its side facing oncoming traffic. The patients were found seated on the floor near the accident. They were assessed by paramedics and found that all eleven had sustained minor to moderate injuries. They were stabilised further and transported to various hospitals in the greater Cape Town region.

It is believed that the taxi driver was over taking a light motor vehicle and somehow lost control after hitting a bump in the road. The vehicle over turned and slid on its side for about 100m before coming to rest.

The necessary authorities were on the scene and would investigate the incident further.

THANK YOU - Sponsors of consumables after Old Age Home Fire

2010-08-03T09:17:00.001+02:00

It gives me goose bumps to report on the absolute stunning support that we have received from various companies, after pleading for help for those who have lost everything in the fire that gutted the Old Age Home in Nigel on Sunday night.

A special thanks goes out to the following:

Makro Head Office
Makro Germiston
Mass Holdings
Menlyn Retail
ER24

Without you we would not have been able to put a small glimmer of hope in those who are suffering not only the loss of their home but also their loved ones.

The goods will be delivered to the AFM Church, number 54 Christophersson Avenue in Dunnotter, Nigel between 12h00 and 13h00 today the 3rd of August.

Once again THANK YOU.

Car Plunges Into Pool Killing One.

2010-08-02T20:02:00.000+02:00

What was meant to be a normal Monday evening turned out to be traumatic for four occupants of a light motor vehicle after it was unable to stop on the driveway, went through a small fence and dropped down about one and half stories into a swimming pool in Balhambar road, Northdale in Pietermaritzburg.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene and found members of public doing CPR on two of the occupants. Paramedics stepped in and took over CPR and both patients received advanced life support intervention. While emergency personnel were busy with the two patients they were informed of a third person still entrapped inside the car. ER24’s Paul Knoesen, Brandon Drinkwater and Johann Mc Dermott immediately jumped into the pool and had to feel inside the car for the third victim. The patient was found and was brought to the surface where CPR was started.

The paramedics were able to get back a pulse on two of the patients and they were rushed to Pietermaritzburg Medi-Clinic in a critical condition, where trauma staff was waiting to take over medical care. Unfortunately the third patient was declared deceased on the scene. The driver of the motor vehicle was able to jump out of the vehicle and did not sustain any injuries.

It is believed that the family had just fetched the grandmother from the hospital and was entering the premises when the car had mechanical problems. The driver was unable to stop the car, causing it to run down the drive way and go over the edge.

Shop Owner Serious After Shooting.

2010-08-02T13:19:00.000+02:00

A thirty two old shop owner is in a serious condition after being shot in the leg after opening his stall in Field Street, Durban CBD this morning.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find the man seated on the floor with his pants stained with blood. Paramedics investigated and found he had sustained a gunshot wound to his upper leg and was in a severe pain. The patient received fluid through a drip and advanced life support intervention was performed. The patient was stabilised further and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care in a serious but stable condition.

It is believed that the man was opening his shop when he was approached by the suspects. Once inside they demanded the money. It is unclear what happened then but the owner got shot and the suspects got away with an undisclosed amount of money.

The necessary authorities were on the scene and would be investigating the incident further.

Please Help - 18 Die In Old Age Home Fire

2010-08-02T09:09:00.000+02:00

News broke this morning on several radio and television broadcasts of the 18 elderly people that died in a horrific fire in Nigel.

The fire broke out late last night at the Peter Wessels Old Age Home and left scores of people without any food, clothes or something to keep them warm. Some of them could save their personal belongings, but majority lost everything.

Please be so kind to assist with one of the following wherever you can:

1. Non-perishable food
2. Clothes
3. Blankets
4. Toiletries
5. Shoes
6. Bedding, etc.

If you can assist with any of the above or in any other way, please mail me (werner.vermaak@er24.co.za) or Anne-Rita Fewell (anne-rita.fewell@er24.co.za).

Your assistance would be highly appreciated.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/18-die-in-old-age-home-fire-20100802

They are currently being assisted by two churches in the area.

Bakkie Rolls Killing Four

2010-08-02T06:33:00.001+02:00

It appears that a bakkie carrying fifteen people lost control in a bend in Church Street in Bloemfontein causing it to roll. According to ER24 paramedics on the scene, the bakkie did not have a canopy, and the occupants at the back of the vehicle were thrown off while it rolled. When paramedics arrived on the scene, there was debris and patients scattered everywhere, and they immediately got to work assessing the injured.

Sadly, four men people lost their lives in the accident after having suffered multiple fatal injuries. There was nothing more that the paramedics could do for them and they were declared deceased on the scene. A woman needed to be stabilised by an Advanced Life Support paramedic, as she had sustained critical injuries, she was further placed on manual ventilation and rushed to a local private hospital. She may have sustained a severe head injury and multiple other traumatic injuries.

Four men and two women were treated for possible back and neck injuries, and were placed on spinal immobilisation equipment. A further three men and a woman were treated for minor injuries. All patients were transported to nearby hospitals for further assessment and treatment.

Two Taxis Collide Head On

2010-08-01T23:36:00.002+02:00

ER24 paramedics described the scene as somewhat chaotic, where two taxis had rammed into each other, head on, with severe force, coming to rest almost perfectly next to each other. The incident took place at around 22h00, on Landsdown road in Khayelitsha. Paramedics allegedly had a difficult time of sorting through the bystanders in order to find the patients, and again found it difficult to determine if they were really a patient involved in the accident or not.

Three patients had sustained multiple serious injuries, with two of them being in a more critical condition than the other one. The two more critical men were determined to be the drivers of the respective taxi, who were flung out of the front windscreen of their vehicles upon impact. Both had multiple broken bones and severe head injuries. The other man had sustained broken bones but was in a stable condition. He was trapped in a passenger seat of one of the taxis for approximately fourty minutes while Fire and Rescue workers used the Jaws of Life to cut away at the wrecked metal surrounding him.

Another 5 men and one women were treated on scene for minor injuries and shock, and all patients were loaded into ambulances and transported to various surrounding provincial hospitals.

Young Man Seriously Injured After Motorbike Accident

2010-08-01T22:20:00.000+02:00

A twenty year old man was left with serious injuries after he crashed into the back of a stationery car while riding his motorbike. It seems that the driver of the car slowed down to almost a stop as he was attempting to pull off into a side road from Louisrus road near Vanderbijlpark.

The impact was quite severe, pushing the young mans pelvis up against the handlebars, causing a bad break to his hips. ER24 paramedics on the scene also treated him for a possible break to his left leg, hypothermia and loss of blood. His hips were stabilised by means of a tie splint and he was given pain medication before he was moved into the ambulance. Paramedics noticed that the young man was strangely calm through the entire incident, and was handed over to the hospital staff in a serious but stable condition.

The man's family arrived on scene and were visibly concerned for their son.

It seems that the driver of the car had left the scene by the time the paramedics arrived. The police will be investigating.

Wall Falls On Boy

2010-08-01T22:17:00.000+02:00

A fifteen year old boy has sustained a bad break to his right leg and left arm after a wall fell on top of him.

According to ER24 paramedics on the scene, the boys family was enjoying a Sunday family get together, and the boy was playing in the garden with the other children. He then ran up one of the embankments and jumped up onto a wall, hanging down from it by his hands. The wall then gave way and a few of the bigger boulders fell on top of him breaking his leg and arm.

Bystanders removed the boulders from his body and made him as comfortable as possible before paramedics arrived. The family was clearly shaken by the incident, and the teen was in severe pain.

The ER24 Advanced Life Support paramedic gave the boy some pain medication, they splinted his broken limbs, and transported him in a stable condition to hospital. Fortunately none of the other children were injured.

Two Trucks Collided Head On In Pietermaritzburg

2010-08-01T22:14:00.000+02:00

It seems that one of the trucks crossed the middle island of the highway and then slammed head on into a second truck which was travelling in the opposite direction. It is unclear as to which of the trucks was initially at fault, but both of them were severely damaged. The incident occurred at approximately 19h00 on the N3 in Pietermaritzburg near the Lion Park off ramp.

After the initial accident, two other sedans crashed into the wreckage of the two trucks. One of the occupants of the truck, which was a vehicle transported truck and was empty at the time, died on impact, while the other occupant was treated by Advanced Life Support paramedics as he had sustained multiple critical injuries. The second truck, carrying chemicals, caught alight shortly after the accident, and the entire cabin and back container of the truck was engulfed in flames. It seems that the driver was ejected out of the vehcile after impact, and he dies soon afterwards. Fire and Rescue workers battled to extinguish the blaze.

A couple travelling in one of the sedans, were lucky enough to only have sustained moderate injuries, and were treated for possible back and neck injuries before being transported to hospital. The other two occupants of the second car sustained no physical injury and requested private transportation at a later stage if the need arose.

The entire N3 highway was closed while emergency personnel were on scene.

Foetus Found On Pavement

2010-08-01T21:29:00.000+02:00

ER24 paramedics were called to Grey avenue in Vereeniging near the Joubert street intersection for a foetus that was found lying on the pavement. The foetus, according to the paramedics on scene, was approximately eighteen centimetres long.

The reason that the foetus was just lying there, exposed on the pavement, is unclear, and the mother who had given birth to the child was nowhere to be found. Sadly the little thing was already deceased by the time the ambulance was called, and paramedics pronounced it dead on the scene.

Strangely enough, there is a hospital right across the street to where the incident took place, and the mother was for some unknown reason unable to get the baby there. The police were on scene to perform the necessary tasks for investigation.

Pedestrian Knocked Down As Bakkie Overturns

2010-08-01T14:25:00.000+02:00

A woman in her sixties was left with serious injuries after she was knocked over by a bakkie on the R56 in the Frans Location in Pietermaritzburg.

ER24 paramedics on the scene said that it seems the bakkie had lost control for some reason, and as they left the road, they collided with the woman. She was treated for multiple broken bones, but was in a stable condition as she was taken through to the hospital.

The bakkie spun further out of control and came to rest in its roof after rolling down the embankment on the side of the road. The three male occupants were already outside of the vehicle when paramedics arrived. They were treated for possible back and neck injuries, and minor scrapes and bruises. They were all transported to a nearby provincial hospital.

The police were on the scene to take statements for investigation.

Seven Car Pile Up Leaves Thirteen Injured

2010-08-01T11:12:00.000+02:00

Paramedics from all surrounding areas were called to the N12 Eastbound, between the Kliprivier and Camaro exits. It seems that one car was rear ended, which caused it to roll, and another five cars then crashed into the first two cars. Debris was seen to be covering all four lanes on the highway, with it extending approximately a hundred meters forward.

An ER24 paramedic described the initial scene as chaotic, with people strewn across the highway. After taking control of the scene, it was determined that there were a possible thirteen patients from the two bakkies and five cars involved.

Fire and Rescue services had to cut a number of seriously injured people from the wrecks, while others were picked up from the roadside gutters after having been ejected from the vehicles that had rolled. There were a select few that were lucky enough to have sustained only minor injuries and were walking around on the scene.

In total, four patients were in a serious condition due to head injuries or multiple broken bones, and nine patients were treated for moderate to minor injuries. All patients were transported by ambulance to nearby hospitals, and the scene was eventually cleared almost three hours later.

One can only be thankful that no one lost their life in this terrible accident.

Four Injured In Riot

2010-07-31T21:51:00.003+02:00

Police had their hands full when more than a hundred angry people started rioting near Pietermaritz street in Pietermaritzburg this evening.

Although we cannot guarantee the fact, it most certainly resembled recent Xenophobic attacks that have been occurring around the country in the last months. ER24 paramedics who were on the scene, said that the crowd was large and angry. Initially the paramedics treated three Ethiopian males, who had sustained minor superficial stab wounds to their necks and backs. It also appeared that they did not want any medical treatment, but wanted to rather return to the angry mob to continue fighting for their rights. After the paramedics spoke to the men, they reluctantly agreed to be taken to hospital for further assessment. Their wounds were bandaged and they were loaded into the ambulance.

Before the ambulance left the scene, paramedics were sent another patient. This time a South African woman, who had sustained minor injury to her elbow after rocks had allegedly been thrown at her. She too was patched up and loaded into the ambulance for transport to hospital.

One of the Ethiopian men said that a fight had started in the community when his brother's car had been vandalised for no apparent reason, and this had sparked the bigger crown of people getting involved, and things turned more violent.

The local Police as well as K9 units were on scene to attempt to calm and disperse the angry crowd.

Two Die After Crashing Into Tree

2010-07-31T21:50:00.001+02:00

A man and a woman, who appeared to be in their thirties, have died tragically after their vehicle left the road and slammed into a tree. It seems that the pair were driving along the N1 highway near the Okavango turn off, when their car veered out of control.

It is unclear as to why the driver of the Toyota lost control of his vehicle, but it is suspected that they experienced mechanical problems or that a tyre had burst. After the vehicle left the road, it seems that it drove into the large tree with severe force. ER24 paramedics who were on the scene, said that the front wheels were pushed almost into the top of the dashboard. The front of the vehicle was badly damaged, and both patients sustained severe injuries. Both of them died in their seats in the car after the dashboard appears to have crushed their chests. Fire and Rescue workers had to cut the mangled wreck away from the tree before the two's mortal remains could be removed.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

Man Dies On Durban Beach

2010-07-31T21:49:00.003+02:00

ER24 paramedics were called to the Lower Marine Parade beachfront for a man that had been shot. When they arrived, they found the man who is believed to be in his fourties, lying face down in the sand. He had sustained what appeared to be a gun shot wound to his left chest.

After the initial assessment, it was determined that the wound to his chest was fatal, and he was declared deceased on the scene. It seems that there was a witness to the incident, and the Durban Metro police obtained statements to investigate all possibilities.

It is unclear as to whether the man's family has been informed of this tragedy.

Man Airlifted After Head On Collision

2010-07-31T21:48:00.001+02:00

Five people have been injured after two cars collided on the R44 in Blackheath near Stellenbosch. Paramedics that were on the scene were trying to determine how the accident could have happened, but were slightly stumped as there is quite a large middle island between the two lanes of the carriage way.

It seems like the two cars were travelling in opposite directions when the accident occurred, and one car was badly damaged in the front and side, while the other only had frontal damage.

When paramedics arrived, all of the patients were outside of the vehicles, and bystanders quickly alerted them to a man who was in a serious condition. The bystanders said that the man was still stuck in the vehicle when they had witnessed the accident and pulled over. They managed to pull him out of the crumpled wreck, much to the surprise of the Fire and Rescue workers as they thought for sure they would have needed to use the Jaws of Life to cut away at the mangled metal.

The man was treated on scene for serious chest injuries, and his condition seemed to be deteriorating. The treating Advanced Life Support paramedic then decided that the patient would fit into flight criteria, and the ER24 Discovery Medicopter was summonsed. The man was airlifted from scene and was in hospital within minutes for more advance medical treatment.

The other four patients, three men and a woman, had sustained multiple injures and were treated an transported to hospital by road ambulance.

The cause of the accident is unknown, but the relevant authorities were on scene to investigate.

School Bus Hit By Train

2010-07-31T21:47:00.001+02:00

A school bus, carrying sixty two children and three teachers, returning to Pretoria from a school tour in Limpopo, collided with a train in the early hours of the morning. The incident took place near the Rolle Train Station in Thulamahashe.

The bus was crossing the railway tracks when the train hit. Fortunately the bus was almost completely over the tracks when the collision occurred, leaving the majority of the patients with only minor to moderate injuries.

Two children and one of the teachers were sadly declared deceased on the scene due to multiple fatal injuries. It is unclear at this stage as to the sex and ages of those fatally injured. The other sixty two patients were treated on scene, and transported to surrounding hospitals by local ambulances for further treatment.

It seems that the driver of the bus fled the scene after the incident. No one in the train, which was carrying goods at the time, sustained any injuries.

THANK YOU

2010-07-30T15:07:00.003+02:00

Thank you to ER24 and Ben Johnson for giving a very informative and practcal talk at Wednesday's, Monteseel Community Watch meeting on CPR and managing choking situations. The residents of Monteseel appreciate the 'community spirit' of ER24 and their staff! - Sue Johnson

Two Die In Double Truck Accident

2010-07-30T14:57:00.000+02:00

A large truck had broken down on the side of the road heading towards Villiers near the Vaal Marina on Villiers Road. The driver had called the mechanic to help, who arrived in a white bakkie. The two were then trying to find out why the truck had broken down when they noticed another truck coming straight for them. According to eye witnesses, the two just ran as fast as they could into the field next to the road.

The second truck slammed into the stationery truck as well as the white mechanic’s bakkie, with such force that both male occupants were ejected out of the front windscreen. Both of them come to rest in the road, and had sustained multiple fatal injuries. There was nothing paramedics could do for the two men, and they were pronounced deceased on the scene.

It seems that the driver of the second truck had lost control of the vehicle which then veered toward the side of the road where the first truck had broken down. The road surface was also severely damaged by the incident, and traffic had to be diverted onto the middle island of the road. The road will be closed for some time heading into Villiers due to clean up operations.

Family Loses Possessions In Fire

2010-07-30T14:51:00.001+02:00

A family has lost most of their worldly possessions in a fire that tore through their Bryanston home. It is unclear as to why the fire started, but it seems that the roof was the first thing to catch alight.

A mother and two eighteen month old children were in the house at the time, but fortunately the woman kept a cool head, collecting the children and removing them from the home before the fire got worse. The Fire and Rescue services were called along with ER24 paramedics to attend to the scene. The paramedics assessed the mother and two children, who seemed physically unaffected by the incident, but it was recommended to them that they see a physician for possible smoke inhalation. The three were taken to a family members’ house to deal with the shock of what had happened.

The fire devastated their home, with firemen pulling out undamaged furniture to try and salvage it. The front lawn of the house was littered with their undamaged possessions. Fire investigators will determine the exact cause of the fire.

Ten Month Old Airlifted To Johannesburg

2010-07-30T09:06:00.001+02:00

A ten month old baby boy, who was in a critical condition with severe pneumonia and a collapsed lung, was transported by the ER24 Discovery Medicopter from Trichardt to a Johannesburg hospital for further treatment. The baby needed assisted ventilation, but was stable, although still critical, during the flight. He will be further assessed by the doctors in Johannesburg and treateed accordingly.

2010-07-29T15:10:00.003+02:00

Eight people were injured after two minibus taxis crashed on Voortrekker Road, just before Vanguard Drive, in Goodwood.

When emergency services arrived on the scene they found one of the taxis had smashed into a cement pillar of a car dealership.

Eight patients were treated for minor to moderate injuries on scene before being transported to various surrounding hospitals for further medical care.

It is alleged that the one taxi hit the other taxi from behind causing it to crash into the pillar. Voortrekker Road was closed in the direction Maitland for approximately half a hour while emergency services worked on the scene.

Man Falls Nine Storeys to His Death

2010-07-29T08:32:00.001+02:00

A young man, estimated to be in his early twenties, has lost his life after falling nine storeys. At this point, it is unclear as to the motive of the man's death, but the South African Police will be investigating all possibilities.

ER24 paramedics were called to the scene after the man was found on the first floor ledge. It is believed that the man fell out of the tenth floor window of a building on the corners of Market and Von Wielligh street in the central business district of Johannesburg. The paramedics had to gain access to the man through the window onto the ledge, where they found him to have sustained multiple fatal injuries, including multiple broken bones, a suspected head injury and severe chest injuries. The young man was declared deceased on the scene.

Police will attempt to locate the man's family as there seemed to be no one on the scene who knew him very well. The building where the tragedy occurred appeared to be a block of flats, with small businesses run on the ground floor.

Driver Flees After Knocking Down Pedestrian

2010-07-28T23:20:00.003+02:00

A young female, believed to be in her late teens, was knocked down and critically injured after a light motor vehicle knocked her down at the intersection of Commercial and Prince Alfred street this morning in Pietermaritzburg.

ER24 responded to the scene and found the young female being treated by members of the public. She was lying near a fence that had spikes on it. She had suffered critical abdominal injuries after the spikes on the fence had penetrated and cut open her abdomen. Advanced Life Support intervention had to be performed before she was rushed off to Grey’s Hospital in a critical condition for further medical care.

It is believed that the young female was walking along the pavement on Commercial road with her boyfriend towards the shop. The driver of the light motor vehicle came out of Prince Alfred street and lost control where the road joined Commercial street, and the vehicle then mounted the pavement. The girl's boyfriend was able to get out of the way quickly enough, but unfortunately the young girl was struck by the car and catapulted into the fence. The driver then drove off, but was caught in Chapel street by the local authorities who witnessed the incident.

Learner Driver Does It Wrong

2010-07-28T23:16:00.003+02:00

We have all been through it; going for lessons to pass your drivers license has always been nerve racking for everybody. One person found it more nerve racking after crashing the learner vehicle into a wall this afternoon in Pinetown.

ER24 paramedics were notified that a vehicle had crashed into a wall off Manors road. Once on the scene, they found a driving school vehicle had crashed into a fence. No one was injured in the accident but the driver who was practicing to drive was a little shaken up.

It is believed that somehow the driver lost control while taking the corner and counter steered and crashed into the wall. The owner of the property arrived and said that this was the second time that this kind of thing had happened.

SAPS arrived on the scene and would investigate the accident further.

Light Aircraft Does Emergency Landing

2010-07-28T23:11:00.001+02:00

Members of the public walking along Durban beach front were not just seeing things when they noticed a light aircraft flying rather low near the shore. Not long after that, the aircraft crash landed on to South beach.

ER24 paramedics, along with other emergency personnel, arrived on the scene to find the aircraft still on three wheels in the middle of the beach. Members of the public had gathered around the plane in amazement.

The pilot and co pilot were unharmed in the incident but were taken to hospital by ambulance for a general check up.

It is believed that the light aircraft had started to have engine failure and the pilot had to prepare for an emergency landing. He noticed an open space on the beach and prepared for the landing. At this thime the only damage to the plane that could be seen was on the left wing which had hit a pole that was in the sand.

The necessary authorities have been notified.

21 Injured In Collision

2010-07-28T23:10:00.001+02:00

A collision between a bakkie, a taxi and a light motor vehicle has left twenty one people injured this morning. The incident took place on Edendale and Caluza road near the BP garage in Pietermaritzburg.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene and found the three vehicles in the intersection, with all the patients strewn across the road. It seems that community members had pulled the victims from the vehicles before emergency personnel had arrived on the scene.

A fifteen year old girl was left in a critical condition, and needed advanced life support intervention for her injuries. Seven other commuters had sustained serious injuries, while the remaining thirteen had sustained minor to moderate injuries. All patients were stabilised on the scene and transported to various hospitals in the greater Pietermaritzburg area.

It is unclear as to who was at fault, but the necessary authorities were on the scene and would be investigating the incident further.

2010-07-28T15:19:00.003+02:00

A man, estimated to be in his mid thirties, died after being hit by a train, near the Tygerberg Station, in Parow.

When paramedics arrived on the scene the Fire Department was in attendance and had declared the man dead. He had sustained severe traumatic injuries and probably died on impact.

The passenger train was travelling towards Cape Town when the man is believed to have walked across the tracks in front of the train. The necessary authorities will be investigating the incident.

Contact Centre Compliment

2010-07-26T14:53:00.000+02:00

I would like to compliment the road crews as well as the call taker (Koba) for a case that was done today (25 July 2010) for a child resuscitation in the Johannesburg South area (Robertsham)

The address was taken (from a very stressed mother) in a short space of time, the details given by the supervisor to myself, who was able to dispatch the crews and get them there in a remarkably short space of time. The patient was successfully resuscitated with telephonic guidance from Koba, the call taker, and the ALS and crews transported the patient to Garden City Clinic.

I cannot emphasize the team work in this case and how important it was to save this child’s life, and I wish we had many more like Koba and the road crews, Edmond, Justice and Shamiel.

I am sure this is one of those cases where ER24 can talk about and shine when a call taker is an angel and recognized for their important part in saving a life.

Jacky Hollins

Fatal Collision on Vissershok Road.

2010-07-26T10:26:00.004+02:00

A collision between an Uno and a Toyota Fortuna, on Vissershok Road, near the N7, left one person dead and another injured this morning.

The male driver of the Uno, estimated to be in his late twenties, was trapped in the vehicle and dead on arrival of emergency services. The body of the man needed to be cut from the wreckage by Metro Rescue.

The Toyota was lying on its roof with the female driver still in the vehicle. Paramedics extricated the lady onto spinal immobilisation equipment and transported her, in a stable condition, to Durbanville Medi-Clinic.

It is alleged that the driver of the Uno may have lost control of the vehicle resulting in the collision. Police were on scene and are investigating the incident.

Children Thrilled with Show and Tell

2010-07-26T09:59:00.001+02:00

Johannesburg West paramedics delighted the children at INN-tuition nursery school with a Show and Tell of the ambulance and its equipment. The little ones were so excited, and were totally enthralled with what the medics had to say. A couple of the little boys showed their bravery when they shouted out that all they wanted to see was the injections! Thanks to those crews involved who made the morning a huge success!

Man Airlifted After Shot in Chest

2010-07-24T17:03:00.000+02:00

LENASIA - A 28 year old man is fighting for his life after he was shot in his chest by alleged robbers.

Paramedics rushed to the scene and found the man lying outside a take away shop in Lenasia. The man had a wound to his chest and was in a critical condition.

On further assessment paramedics found that the man had sustained possible injuries to his spine as well. The man had to be rushed off to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment.

Paramedics could not establish the full identity of the man on the scene and he was transported to a provincial hospital for further stabilisation. During the course of this morning paramedics assisted employees of the shop to arrange further information about the man.

It was later established that the man is the manager of the take away shop and was busy locking up when the incident took place.

He was later airlifted from the provincial hospital by the Medicopter to Milpark hospital for further medical management.

The police attended the incident.

Man Found with Throat Slit on Highway

2010-07-24T14:20:00.002+02:00

WELKOM - A man believed to be in his fifties was found with his throat cut on the Theunissen-Welkom road earlier this morning.

Paramedics from ER24 received an emergency call this morning for an accident on this road, but found a different scenario when they arrived. The paramedics found the man lying several meters away from his vehicle on his stomach.

On further assessment they found that his throat was almost completely slit but he was still alive. The man had to be stabilised on the scene before he could be rushed off to a nearby hospital for further medical management.

Paramedics found it strange that the original incident was phoned in as an accident and it appeared that the there was no damage to the vehicle. The man could not be identified on the scene.

The incident will be investigated.

Man Killed and Another Airlifted

2010-07-24T14:19:00.002+02:00

POTCHEFSTROOM - A man was killed and another seriously injured on the Potchefstroom-Parys road this morning.

When paramedics arrived on the scene they found a man, believed to be the driver, lying several meters away from a Bantam bakkie. Another man was found in the passenger side of the bakkie with serious head injuries.

It is believed that the driver was flung from the vehicle when it overturned.

The man had to be extricated from the vehicle before paramedics could stabilise him. A Medicopter was called to the scene to airlift the man to a hospital in Johannesburg for further medical management.

It is understood from bystanders that the bakkie overturned several times. The exact cause for this incident will be investigated.

Two Killed in Aircraft Crash

2010-07-24T14:12:00.001+02:00

PIETERMARITZBURG - Two people were killed when a light aircraft crashed into a sugarcane field off the R614 this afternoon.

Paramedics from ER24 that arrived on the scene were flagged down by bystanders pointing to two men lying on the side of the road. Bystanders explained to paramedics that they heard a light bang and saw the aircraft that crashed into the field.

It is understood from the bystanders that they approached the plane and noticed vast amounts of fuel leaking from the aircraft, they then pulled the two occupants from the plane to the nearby road.

Both of the men were already dead when paramedics assessed them. It appears that the two men sustained multiple fatal injuries. It is not clear if the men were still alive when the bystanders pulled them from the wreckage.

The area was cordoned off by emergency services. The cause for this crash is not known and it is understood that only the two men were inside of the aircraft when it crashed.

The incident will be investigated.

Technorati Tags: Aircraft,Fatal

Two Killed, 15 Injured in Kraaifontein Crash

2010-07-23T18:43:00.001+02:00

Two people were killed and fifteen others sustained multiple injuries when a taxi and a car collided this afternoon on Bottelary Road in Kraaifontein, Western Cape.

Paramedics from ER24 that arrived on the scene found people scattered across the incident. On further assessment they found that a woman in the taxi sustained multiple fatal injuries.

A man, believed to be the driver of the car, was also found with multiple fatal injuries.

Paramedics had to treat several people from the taxi for multiple injuries before transporting them to a nearby hospital for further medical management. Four people from the taxi sustained serious injuries and eleven others sustained minor injuries.

It is understood from bystanders on the scene that the car apparently made a u-turn when the taxi collided with it. However, the local authorities will investigate the exact cause of this accident.

Baycare and Fire Services also attended the scene.

Technorati Tags: Fatal,Accident

Two Burnt As Oxygen Cylinder Catches Fire

2010-07-23T12:01:00.001+02:00

Two young men, believed to be aged between twenty and thirty, have sustained burns to their faces after and oxygen cylinder caught fire. It seems that the two were working with the cylinder, perhaps trying to connect it to a machine, when there was a sudden flash of fire from the cylinder’s outlet.

Fortunately for them, there were trained first aiders at the factory who were immediately called and assisted with the initial cooling of the burns. The two men were in severe pain, and ER24 paramedics stepped in to take over their treatment. One of the men said that his pain was almost relieved after the burnshield ointment was put on, while the other was given a dosage of pain medication to ease his pain. Both of them had sustained superficial and partial burns to their faces above the upper lips to their foreheads. They were transported to a nearby hospital for further assessment and treatment.

The cause of the fire will be investigated by the local officials at the factory. Fortunately no one else was injured in the incident, and the fire did not cause any other damage to the property.

Truck Causes Chaos On The M19 Freeway.

2010-07-23T11:10:00.003+02:00

Four people, including a truck driver, have luckily escaped with only minor injuries after an articulated truck lost control and crashed through the intersection at the M19 near the N2 off ramp. The truck then further crashed into a bakkie and two stationary cars that were parked on a property of an engineering company, before crashing through the wall of the company coming to stop inside an office.

ER24 and other emergency personnel arrived on the scene and found the articulated truck completely wedged into the factory. The driver of the truck had been taken out of the vehicle by workers in the factory. He had sustained minor lacerations and abrasions to his legs and hands.

Three occupants of the bakkie, who had the narrowest escape of them all, were lucky enough to walk away with minor injuries. A worker from the factory was treated for shock but did not need further medical care. All the injured were stabilised and transported to a nearby hospital.

It seems that the lady that works in the office where the truck came to rest, was running late this morning. If she had been in the office at the time of the incident, it is sure that there would have been a fatality.

It is believed that the driver was coming down the N2 and had taken the glide off to the M19 when he started to have mechanical problems. He was unable to control the truck causing him to lose control and go through the intersection.

Traffic was severely affected for more than 1 km due to this accident.

Four Killed in Helicopter Crash

2010-07-23T09:33:00.000+02:00

It is believed that four people were killed in a horror crash this morning outside Witbank.

Shortly before 09:00 paramedics from ER24 were dispatched to an open field near Verena road in Clarinet where they found a helicopter burnt beyond recognition.

Paramedics on the scene explained that they could see four people, but all of them were engulfed in the flames. The local fire department and rescue services extinguished the flames. All of the occupants were already dead and there was nothing that paramedics could do.

The local community and commuters in the area flocked to the scene when they saw the smoke and flames coming from the open field.

At this stage it is not clear to whom the helicopter belonged and what caused the crash.

The police and other emergency services also attended the scene.

Only Minor Injuries After Head On Collision

2010-07-22T15:23:00.000+02:00

When the call came in for a taxi that had collided head on with a bakkie in Florence Nightingale road in Chatsworth Durban, paramedics immediately expected the worst. Three ER24 ambulances and two rapid response vehicles descended on the scene to assist the potentially seriously injured.

Paramedics approached the scene and began quickly triaging the patients to determine the exact extent of their injuries. Most of the patients were actually sitting next to the road, having climbed out of the respective vehicles after the collision had occurred. The medics were actually shocked, but very relieved, to find that all seven patients had sustained minor injuries only, and were treated for mild shock and scrapes and bruises on the scene. One man was placed on spinal immobilization equipment as a precaution, as he was complaining of slight neck and back pain. All of the patients, six men and a woman, were transported by ambulance to the RK Khan hospital for further assessment and treatment.

The taxi’s front end was completely damaged in the accident, and these front occupants were fortunate enough to have escaped serious injury.

The Fire and Rescue department assisted where they could, and the police will be investigating the accident.

Days of Days by Kristal Stander

2010-07-22T07:50:00.000+02:00

I wake up by the sound of my alarm

It is early before break of dawn

I get ready for work

Polish my shoes

Brush my hair

Saying my own little prayer

I give you a kiss goodbye

Who knows today might be my last day

I get to work, have my morning coffee with a light of a smoke

We all stand around talking

The phone rings, this is our first call

Sirens go on we heading through the traffic

There is a patient dying move out of the road idiot.

The longer we take the less time this patient might have

I see the lady crying, her husbands lying in her arms dying

She begs she pleads, she stands there and shouts at me

I know I’m doing all I can, I look up and into her eye and say:

“Ma’am we trying our best, your husband is in good hands.”

Will she be alone after today?

Will her bed be empty and left with only her eyes filled with tears?

Call by call Minute by minute

I smell something burning

I hear people screaming

All that I can see is this cloud of black smoke

HELP! HELP! HELP!

How sad is that that you hear and see people wanting help

But all you can do is stare you can’t get to them

They say a dead PARAMEDIC IS NO PARAMEDIC

The flames go bigger and fire gets warmer

Is there enough water to put this fire out?

Hours go by and in my heart I’m bleeding

I’m bleeding for those who lost their loved ones in that fire

How bad is that?

did they know that today was going to be their last day?

Did he get to say his last say?

Did he tell his wife that he is sorry?

Did he tell her that he loved her?

I wonder if he even knew she was carrying a little life inside of her.

What a day? People ask how we sleep at night.

People ask how you turn around and still laugh.

Do those people actually understand that if we never laughed that we would never have come this far?

Do they even know what we feel inside?

We don’t show tears in our eyes

We show it in our hearts, we deal with it our own way.

It is late im heading back home.

Im tired and im hungry.

Never mind that im dirty...

Author: Kristal Stander (ER24)

Two Babies Found Dead In Medical Waste.

2010-07-21T16:10:00.003+02:00

ER24 paramedics were called to a waste removal company in Airport Industria, Cape Town, for two babies that were found in medical waste.

When paramedics arrived on the scene they were shown to the medical waste section of the company where the bodies were found wrapped in a medical waste packet and placed in a medical waste box.

The two babies, a boy and girl, were dead and appeared to have been dead when they were disposed of. An employee at the waste removal company confirmed that this is the first time, that he can recall, that babies have been found in medical waste. The babies appeared to be newborn.

The police were on scene and are conducting the necessary inquest.

Man Shot in Suspected Robbery

2010-07-21T15:21:00.000+02:00

As the thirty four year old man pulled up to the residence in Newlands Pretoria, it seems that the suspects were waiting for him. Bystanders on the scene said that the man had just been to the bank to draw money.

An unknown number of suspects approached the man’s Getz and allegedly shot at him. He then fled the vehicle into the house, and collapsed in the hallway near the kitchen. The SAP were on scene when ER24 paramedics arrived, and the man was treated for blood loss and two wounds to either side of his chest. He was in severe pain, and also in a mild state of confusion as to the events that had just taken place.

After being stabilized on the scene, he was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital where he will undergo further assessment and treatment, and possible surgery for his wounds.

It is still unclear as to what the motive of the incident was, and whether anything was actually taken from the man or from his vehicle. Both the Brooklyn and Garsfontein police were on the scene to collect evidence for investigation.

Man Airlifted After Bakkie And Truck Collide.

2010-07-20T13:41:00.002+02:00

A forty-year-old man was airlifted to hospital after a bakkie and truck collided on Philadelphia Road (R304), at Old Malmesbury Road, near Philadelphia.

When emergency services arrived on the scene they found the driver of the bakkie was trapped in the vehicle and had sustained multiple serious fractures.

The patient was cut from the wreckage by rescue crews from the Fire Department using hydraulic rescue equipment. The patient was then airlifted by the ER24-Discovery Medicopter to Milnerton Medi-Clinic in a serious but stable condition. The driver of the truck was not injured.

The intersection was closed while emergency services worked on scene. The cause of the incident is being investigated by police.

Taxi Bursts Into Flames After Collision.

2010-07-20T13:26:00.004+02:00

A minibus taxi burst into flames after it collided into a bakkie, at the intersection of Carl Cronje Drive and Mispel Street, in Tygervalley.

Paramedics arrived on the scene shortly after the incident occurred and the taxi was already well alight. The driver of the taxi, who was the only occupant in the vehicle, had managed to get out of the vehicle before it burst into flames. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Tygerberg Hospital.

The bakkie was wedged up against a traffic light and the driver was stuck in the vehicle. A tow-truck used its winch to force open the driver's door and free the driver. He sustained minor injuries and declined to be transported to hospital.

When the Fire Department arrived on the scene they extinguished the fire within minutes. The cause of the incident is unknown at this stage.

Three Dead In N1 Accident.

2010-07-19T13:46:00.000+02:00

Three dead, including a seven year old child and many more were injured after the taxi they were travelling in overturned on the N1 freeway near Stormvol, north of Pretoria this afternoon.

Emergency personnel arrived on the scene where they found a taxi lying on its side with bodies strewn across the freeway. One patient was declared deceased on arrival by paramedics due to the serious injuries he had sustained. A woman and a child were in a critical condition and both required advanced life support intervention on the scene. The woman started to deteriorate and CPR was performed, however, she unfortunately passed away at the scene. The child, a seven year old girl, was allegedly partially stuck under the taxi before emergency personnel arrived on the scene, and was pulled out by other commuters who were not injured. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital but died moments later after arriving at the trauma unit.

Five people sustained serious injuries and another eight sustained minor to moderate injuries. All were stabilised on the scene and transported to various hospitals for further medical care.

It is believed that the taxi that was travelling along the N1 from Pretoria towards Hammanskraal had some sort of mechanical difficulty causing the driver to lose control, go through the centre medium and roll onto the N1 heading back towards Pretoria. Traffic was affected in both directions.

The necessary authorities were on the scene and would be investigating the incident further.

Hijack Victim’s Lucky Escape.

2010-07-19T13:44:00.001+02:00

A fifty three year old male had a narrow escape after being hijacked outside his house in Voortrekker road in Pinetown this morning.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene and found the man standing next to a police vehicle, giving details to the police officer. The man had sustained a single gunshot to his right arm. The wound was cleaned and a bandage was placed over the wound to help stop the bleeding. He was stabilised and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care.

It is believed that the man was on his way to work and had just driven out his gate, climbed out to close the gate to his yard. He turned around and two suspects were inside his vehicle. The man approached his car and a gunshot went off. The suspects got away with his VW Golf.SAPS are investigating the incident further.

Car Plunges into River at Stormvoël

2010-07-19T07:29:00.000+02:00

Another man was left with multiple injuries less than 24 hours after three people died on the N1 near Stormvoël interchange in Pretoria.

Shortly before 07:00 paramedics from ER24 received an emergency call of an accident involving a bus on the N1 south before the Stormvoël off ramp.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene found bystanders pointing down the embankment towards the river. On further inspection paramedics found a double cab bakkie that crashed down the embankment.

A man, believed to be in his early 40's, was still trapped in the vehicle. He sustained multiple injuries and had to be freed from the wreck and pulled to safety.

The Tshwane Fire Department used ropes to pull the man up the embankment where he was treated and transported to the Life Eugene Marais Hospital.

The man explained that he was travelling on the N1 towards Johannesburg when the bus apparently crashed into the back of his vehicle and pushed him off the highway.

The bus was found several meters from the incident. No one was injured in the bus.

Man Dies in Horrific Accident

2010-07-18T19:11:00.000+02:00

A man believed to be in his early thirties died horrifically this evening on the R59 between Sasolburg and Vereeniging when his vehicle collided with a truck.

Shortly before 17:00 paramedics arrived on the scene and found a cargo truck wedged against the remains of a vehicle. Paramedics explained that the vehicle was severely mangled.

Bystanders on the scene pointed out that the man was still trapped in the vehicle. Paramedics could barely see into the mangled wreck. The local fire department had to use rescue equipment to open pieces of the car. The man was found inside the vehicle with multiple fatal injuries.

The truck driver and his passenger, believed to be his wife, was also injured in this accident. Both of them were treated on the scene for minor to moderate injuries and transported by ER24 to Vereeniging Medi Clinic for further medical attention.

The exact cause of the accident is not known, but it is understood from bystanders that the vehicle apparently lost control and veered across the middle island into oncoming traffic. Both the truck and the car ended up back on the middle island.

Traffic was slow in both directions on the R59. The incident will be investigated.

*Photos submitted

Truck Over Turns Leaving Two Injured.

2010-07-18T14:20:00.001+02:00

A normal Sunday drive ended a lot of motorist turning around and heading home after a truck over turned on the M13 Pietermaritzburg bound between the 2nd Hillcrest off ramp and Shongweni on ramp this morning.

ER24 and VEMA arrived on the scene to find an articulated truck carrying rolls of metal lying on its side, completely blocking off the road to traffic. The driver was found lying on the floor after he was pulled out of the cabin by members of public. The patient had sustained a head injury and possible neck and back injuries.

The passenger who was found walking around on the scene was treated for minor injuries. Both patients were stabilised and transported to RK Khans Hospital for further medical care.

It is believed that the driver lost control due to mechanical problems and was unable to control the truck around the bend.
Metro Police had to close off the M13 just before Hillcrest and diverted traffic through Hillcrest until the cleanup operation was done

Pedestrian Killed On The N3 Freeway.

2010-07-18T08:04:00.000+02:00

A pedestrian was killed on the N3 Durban bound between Marrianhill Toll Plaza and Richmond road on ramp near Pinetown in the later part of yesterday evening.

ER24 and EMRS arrived on the scene to find a male in his late twenties lying in the far right hand lane of the freeway. The patient had sustained severe fatal head injuries and was declared deceased on the scene.

The necessary authorities were on the scene and would investigate the incident further.

Emergency personnel are asking members of public if you are going to be walking on freeways or even in residential areas at night, please were bright clothing or walk where there is sufficient light. It is very difficult for motorist to see pedestrians walking at night wearing dark clothing especially on freeways.

Taxi Demolishes Bakkie

2010-07-18T07:59:00.005+02:00

Three people were seriously injured after a taxi collided into a stationary bakkie on West Street in Durban’s CBD, early this morning.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find a taxi lying on its side blocking two lanes of the road and a bakkie completely destroyed in a parking bay next to the taxi.

Three occupants from the taxi were found lying outside the taxi complaining of severe neck and back injuries. They were stabilised and transported to Life Entabeni Hospital in a serious but stable condition. No one else was injured in the accident.

The owner of the bakkie who just looked on in shock as his bakkie was a complete right off was just gratefully that he was not inside the bakkie at the time of the accident occurred. It is unclear what caused the taxi driver to lose control as West street is rather straight road.

The necessary authorities were on the scene and an investigation would be done into the accident.

Bakkie Rolls Killing One.

2010-07-17T19:45:00.000+02:00

One person is dead and three other people have sustained minor injuries after the bakkie they were travelling in over turned on the N3 Durban bound just before Hammersdale this evening.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene, to find a bakkie lying on its roof in the left hand lane of the freeway. One person was found lying in the road and had suffered fatal injuries. He was declared deceased on the scene. the driver and two other passengers had sustained minor injuries and were assessed by ER24 and VEMA. They were transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care.

It is unclear how the driver lost control but it is believed that they came around the bend on the N3 and may have had mechanical problems causing the driver to lose control and collided into the Armco barrier before rolling down the freeway.

The necessary authorities were on the scene and would be investigating the incident further.

Collision Claims Drivers Life

2010-07-17T08:18:00.001+02:00

A collision that occurred at the corners of Forest Drive and Silver Tree of Estier River in Cape Town has left a passenger with minor injuries and the driver was in a critical condition but passed away moments later after arriving at hospital due to his injuries. The incident took place in the early hours of this morning.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene and found a bakkie had crashed into a tree before crashing into a fence. The passenger, believed to be a female had sustained minor injuries had been transported by Metro to Bay Hospital. The driver believed to be in his late thirty’s had just being freed by the Fire Department after been entrapped for almost forty five minutes.

The driver had sustained critical head and chest injuries and needed advanced life support intervention. The patient was intubated and placed on a ventilator on the scene. While paramedics were trying to stabilise the man further, he started to deteriorate and CPR had to be started. Emergency personnel were able to get a pulse back and rushed him off to hospital but unfortunately he lost the fight due to his injuries and passed away moments later in the trauma unit.

It is unclear what caused the driver to lose control but the necessary authorities were on the scene and would investigate the incident further.

THANK YOU!

2010-07-16T09:56:00.002+02:00

Aan die ER24 paramedics en ambulans manne - baie dankie vir jul professionele optrede en puik diens met die vervoer van my seun vanaf Plettenbergbaai na George op 4 Mei 2010, nadat my seun in koma verval en om sy lewe geveg het. Julle is puik! - Sandy Thorpe

Security Guard Stabbed By Suspect.

2010-07-16T08:36:00.000+02:00

A thirty seven year old security guard is in a serious condition after been attacked by a suspect at the corners of Boshoff and Pietermaritz street in Pietermaritzburg busy CBD region this afternoon.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene and found the security guard seated on the pavement surrounded by a pool of blood by his feet. The patient had sustained serious stab wounds to both of his arms. Paramedics covered the wounds to help stop the bleeding. The patient had to have fluid replacement therapy to help with the blood loss. He was transported to Northdale Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The patient was seated by the entrance to the underground taxi rank, when an argument broke out and the guard was stabbed by means of a broken glass bottle. The suspect ran away.

Homeless Man Gets Caught In Fire.

2010-07-16T08:28:00.001+02:00

An elderly man is in a critical condition after been burnt while caught in the middle of a bush fire which runs parallel next to Prince Alfred Ext in Pietermaritzburg this afternoon.

The homeless man, who goes by the name of Samuel, was in the middle of the bush when it caught alight. He was unable to out run the fire and found a small area that was cleared of bush to try and not get burnt. Unfortunately he was unlucky and sustained burns to his face, arms, legs and his lower back region.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene and found Samuel lying on his side still in the middle of the bush. The patient was in severe pain and needed advanced life support intervention. Paramedics put up a drip, to help administrate pain medication through it. Burn shields were placed on his body before he was carried out on a stretcher with the help of the Fire Department.

He was transported to Edendale Hospital in a critical condition, where trauma staffs were waiting to take over medical treatment.

Samuel has lost all his belongings due to this fire.

Worker Loses Left Leg in Farm Accident

2010-07-15T22:13:00.003+02:00

ER24 paramedics were called to a farm in Trichardt for a man who’s legs were believed to be trapped in a piece of farm machinery. When they arrived on scene, they were shown to where the man was still alert, and in an extreme amount of pain. It was clear from a quick observation that his legs were truly stuck, and the left leg was visibly mangled.

One of the other workers explained that the man was busy on the back of the machine when it suddenly lurched forward, causing his legs to slip into the grinding slots from a sitting position. Paramedics immediately started the man on pain medication until they could move him. The other workers collected their tools and started cutting away at the metal. In the mean time, the ER24 Discovery Medicopter was dispatched to the scene so that the man could be evacuated to a nearby hospital as soon as possible for treatment. It took over an hour for the metal to be removed, and a trauma surgeon, anesthetists and orthopedic surgeon arrived on scene from the hospital to assist the paramedics with stabilizing the man once removed.

The man was sedated, placed on manual ventilation and loaded into the waiting Medicopter along with the two paramedics and orthopedic surgeon who airlifted the man to the waiting hospital. On arrival at the hospital, he was sent immediately to theater where it is believed that his left leg will be amputated below the knee. His right leg, although also damaged and shredded, will most likely be repaired, but this will only be determined later when the man is out of the intensive surgery.

Driver Serious After Head On Collision

2010-07-15T22:12:00.003+02:00

A head on collision between two cars occurred on Tom Jones Street near Princes Avenue in Benoni.

The thirty two year old woman, who was driving a single cab bakkie, was left in a critical condition after the impact. She was found unconscious by paramedics on the scene, and she had to be rapidly removed from the vehicle so that lifesaving treatment could be initiated. She was placed on a manual ventilator, and was treated for a serious head injury. Paramedics said that they could only see a large bruise on her forehead, and that she had not sustained any other visible injuries. Scans will need to be taken at the hospital to determine the full extent and nature of her injuries.

Eyewitnesses to the accident said that the driver of the BMW that collided with the bakkie allegedly fled the scene after the collision. It is believed that he may have phoned a friend of his to tell him what had just happened, and the friend had thankfully alerted the emergency services to the accident who arrived on scene quickly to treat the injured woman.

The woman was in a stable but still serious condition when ER24 paramedics handed her over to the receiving hospital staff. The police will need to investigate the actual cause of the accident, and track down the other party involved for questioning.

Man Falls Into Wood Chipper.

2010-07-14T12:40:00.003+02:00

ER24 Paramedics were called to a factory in Stormsriver where a man had fallen in a wood chipper.

On arrival of the paramedics the man had already been taken out of the machine and first aiders had performed CPR. The patient sustained severe traumatic injuries to his legs and was unfortunately already dead when emergency services arrived.

It is alleged that the man was doing maintenance on the chipper when it was turned on, causing him to fall in the machine.

Man Hit By Vehicle While Pushing Car.

2010-07-14T09:34:00.003+02:00

A man, estimated to be in his late twenties, is believed to have been hit by a vehicle while pushing his car, on Giel Basson Road, near Goodwood.

The man had sustained severe traumatic injuries and was dead on arrival of paramedics. The exact details around the incident are unclear as there were no witnesses but at this stage it is believed to be a hit and run.

Police will be conducting a thorough investigation of the incident.

Fire In Block Of Flats

2010-07-13T23:11:00.003+02:00

It is unclear as of yet how many people in the block of flats lost their valuables this afternoon due to a fire that had spread across the second floor.

ER24 paramedics were called to assist the other emergency services on scene after a fire had broken out in a block of flats at the corners of Paul Kruger and Jacob Marais streets in Pretoria. When they arrived on scene, Fire and Rescue workers were hard at work, and there was still smoke billowing out of the windows.

Many of the residents of the flats that had evacuated the building were watching the unfolding events from the street below. Six young women, whose ages were estimated as being between eighteen and twenty eight, were all transported to various surrounding hospitals for treatment of minor smoke inhalation injuries. They were all in a stable condition and would be further monitored at a medical facility. No other people were reported to have been injured in the fire, and all residents seem to have made a safe getaway out of the building.

None of the residents could explain the cause of the fire, but the necessary authorities would be investigating.

8 Month Old Baby Found Alone In Flat

2010-07-13T23:10:00.003+02:00

It was a heart breaking call for ER24 paramedics who responded to the central business district in Bloemfontein this evening. An eight month old baby girl was found alone in the bathroom of a flat. It is believed that neighbours alerted the police to the child who appeared malnourished, mildly dehydrated, and had some form of underlying medical condition.

The neighbours were saying that the mother of the child had left for some reason, and had entrusted the child's care to a friend of hers. They also said that the woman had been neglecting the child for some time now. This afternoon, they had threatened the woman with phoning the police and child social services, and the woman then allegedly fled, leaving the child alone in the bathroom to fend for herself.

One of the ER24 paramedics put a small amount of sugar gel on his finger for her, because it was clear that the child's blood sugar level was very low. He said that she sucked so hard on the sugar that she almost sucked his finger clean off.

They transported the baby to a nearby provincial hospital for further assessment and monitoring. She was however in a stable condition when she was handed over to hospital staff. The police were also on scene and were gathering evidence to locate the two women for questioning regarding the baby's condition.

Three Car Pile Up on N1 Atterbury

2010-07-13T23:08:00.003+02:00

A young mother and her one year old child have sustained serious injuries after their Hyundai sedan collided with a bakkie and a BMW on the N1 near the Atterbury exit. Paramedics on their way to the scene said that the traffic was so severe, and was backed up from Rigel. They struggled to get through the cars to the accident.

It seems that the Hyundai had rolled, and the thirty year old mother was still entrapped in the car when paramedics arrived. She had to be cut out of her driver's seat with the Jaws of Life. She was in a critical condition, and paramedics had to place her on a manual ventilator and stabilise her as best they could while she was being removed from the car wreckage. The one year old baby girl was being treated by the other paramedics after being rapidly removed from the car. She seemed to be in a stable condition, but on arrival at hospital, started deteriorating and doctors had to fiercely fight to stabilise her further.

The woman was also treated for serious chest injuries but was still critical when she was handed over to hospital staff.

There were no other injuries reported from the other two vehicles. It is still unclear as to how many people were actually involved in the accident, as paramedics also saw a concertina bus on the scene which had minimal damage to the body.

Emergency services all worked together to ensure the safety of the scene as well as rapid clearance of the debris in order to allow traffic to flow. Traffic was though still severely affected in both directions.

Jeep Knocks Teen Over

2010-07-13T23:07:00.001+02:00

The young girl was lying in the road when the paramedics arrived on scene and she was badly injured. After a quick initial assessment, they found that the fifteen year old needed rapid, life saving treatment.

As paramedics placed her on manual ventilation, and attempted to stabilise her injured body, the ER24 Discovery Medicopter was called in to airlift her to a nearby hospital so that treatment on her could be started as soon as possible.

It seems that the girl, who lived in the area near the Tokai Mall in Tokai Cape Town, was crossing the street when the Jeep collided with her. She had sustained a possible break to her hips, a head injury, and neck and back injuries, and she was barely conscious when paramedics arrived.

Her mother was called to notify her of the accident, and she arrived on scene, totally distraught. She was closely comforted by her friends which were on the scene with her. The occupants of the Jeep were fortunately uninjured, but paramedics were seen to be consoling the woman who had been in the passenger seat of the Jeep at the time of the incident.

The girl was airlifted to hospital where she will receive the necessary treatment for her injuries. Police were on scene to take statements for investigation.

Mattress Linings Go Up In Flames.

2010-07-13T21:24:00.001+02:00

Emergency personnel rushed to a report of a factory on fire in Burnside road in Mount Edgecombe this morning. It was unclear what was burning but the smoke could be seen as far as Umgeni road.

Once emergency personnel arrived on the scene, they found that the fire was on the outside of the factory and that the content that was fully in gulfed was inners for mattress. Fire Department was quick on the scene to help extinguish the blaze.

Two workers from the factory were treated for minor burns to their faces as they tried to help extinguish the fire before the Fire Department had arrived. Both patients said they would go to their doctors later for further medical treatment if required.

The cause of how the fire started is unknown but the necessary authorities were on the scene and would investigate the incident further.

Driver Loses Control And Rolls Truck.

2010-07-13T21:21:00.001+02:00

Traffic almost came to a standstill after an articulated truck lost control and rolled down an embankment, leaving the trailer lying in the left hand lane of the N3 towards Pietermaritzburg at the bottom of Peacevale this afternoon.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find the cabin part of the truck down the embankment, with the trailer still connected to the truck itself lying on the road. The driver who is in his early twenties was found seated at the top of the embankment. He had suffered minor injuries and was transported to Crompton Hospital for further medical care.

It is believed that the trailer came loose from the truck while coming down the N3. The driver tried to control the truck but lost control and veered off the freeway.

Traffic was severely affected due to this accident. The necessary authorities were on the scene and would investigate the incident further.

Pedestrian Knocked Out of Shoes.

2010-07-13T14:49:00.005+02:00

A man, estimated to be in his thirties, died after being hit by a car on the N1, just before the Okavango Road turn-off, in the direction of Paarl.

The impact knocked the pedestrian out of his shoes and resulted in significant damage to the front left side of the car, The man had sustained severe trauma and was dead on arrival of emergency services.

The patient's body was lying in the middle of the two outgoing lanes and vehicles were directed up the yellow lane, this resulted in traffic backing-up for around three kilometres.

Off-Duty Paramedic Saves Baby.

2010-07-13T10:55:00.003+02:00

An off-duty ER24 paramedic was called to assist one of her neighbours who was in labour at a residential complex in Parklands.

She was sitting at home when a neighbour came to knock on her door and informed her that a lady in the complex was giving birth.

The off duty paramedic had no equipment with her but agreed to assist in the delivery. When she arrived at the flat one baby had already been delivered but was not breathing. The paramedic performed layman's CPR and managed to revive the baby.

A second baby (twin) was also delivered and was in a stable condition. The babies were transported by ER24 ambulances to New Somerset Hospital for the necessary further care.

Taxi Goes Over 6m Edge Onto Freeway.

2010-07-12T23:38:00.002+02:00

One person is in a serious condition, while another four have sustained minor to moderate injuries after a collision at the intersection of Berea and Manning road, involving a taxi and a SUV this evening.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find the SUV up against the concrete barrier and the taxi was found lying on its side 6m over the edge on the freeway. The driver of the motor vehicle, who was still found in her seat, was in a serious condition. The patient was responsive and needed advanced life support intervention. The patient was also treated for neck and back injuries. The patient was transported to a nearby hospital in a serious but stable condition for further medical care.

While paramedics were busy treating the driver of the motor vehicle, other emergency personnel rushed down to the taxi that was lying in the freeway. Four occupants including the driver only sustained minor injuries and it was miraculous that no one was killed inside the taxi. All four occupants were taken to Addington Hospital for further medical assistance if required.

It is unclear who was at fault but the impact was so severe that the driver of the taxi was not able to control his taxi, which caused him to lose control and collided with the robot before going over the edge and landing on the freeway 6m below.

All the necessary role players were on the scene and would be investigating the incident further.

Woman Critical After Three Storey Fall.

2010-07-12T20:53:00.000+02:00

A woman to be in her late twenties is in a critical condition after fall from a ledge of a three storey block of flats in Pinetown this afternoon.

Members of public contact ER24 through the national number on 084 124 and informed the call taker of what had happened. An ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were sent to the location.

Once on scene, they found the lady lying on her stomach and in a severe pain. Advanced Life Support intervention was performed by means of fluid through a drip and pain medication before she could be moved onto her back. She was further stabilised by placing her on a special board before being transported to Life Westville Hospital in a critical but stable condition for further medical care.

The patient should make a full recovery but the next 24 hours would be crucial.

Freeway Closed Due To Accident.

2010-07-12T20:50:00.000+02:00

Motorists who were on their way home this afternoon where confronted with severe traffic back log due to a collision on the N3 Durban bound just past the pavilion.

One person is in a critical condition, another two have sustained serious injuries, while five others have sustained minor to moderate injuries after three trucks and eight cars were involved in a collision, completely blocking the freeway off to motorist and making it hard for emergency personnel to arrive at the scene.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find a truck lying on its side with the driver entrapped. Advanced Life Support intervention had to be performed on the patient. The Jaws of Life and other hydraulic equipment were used to extricate the man from the wreckage. Once out he was transported to Addington Hospital in a critical condition due to his injuries he had sustained.

Two other trucks had crashed in to the side of each other, with a motor vehicle crashing in to the back of one of the trucks. Another vehicle was found lying on its side near the trucks. Six other cars were found close by with various damages.

Two little boys aged six and eight had suffered possible neck and back injuries and were in a serious condition. Five other people sustained minor lacerations and abrasions. All patients were stabilised on the scene and transported to Life Entabeni Hospital and other surrounding hospitals for further medical care.
It is unclear who was at fault or how the collision really occurred but the necessary authorities were on the scene and would be investigating the incident further.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Internal Sales (Paulshof)

2010-07-12T09:47:00.000+02:00

Competency Profile (Education, experience, skills & behaviour):

• Minimum Grade 12 qualification
• Tertiary qualification : Business Diploma or Sales
• 2-3 years Sales experience
• Good verbal and written communication especially telecommunication skills
• Computer literate (MS Word - Intermediate Level)

Key Deliverables:

• Achieve sales budget
• Follow up on corporate Sales visit and outstanding quotes
• Capturing of contact data into Sales Logix
• Updating and maintenance of Sales Client database
• Compilation of presentation packs to Corporate clients
• To provide accurate information to the company Sales activities
• To provide an accurate Sales feedback to ensure client product understanding and satisfaction.

Interested applicants must please forward their CV’s and proof of compliance with requirements to hr@er24.co.za or fax to 0867435859
Closing date: 23 July 2010

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - Asset Controller (Paulshof)

2010-07-12T09:45:00.000+02:00

Competency Profile (Education, experience, skills & behaviour):

• Minimum Grade 12 qualification
• Tertiary qualification : Bookkeeping Diploma
• 1 year experience as a bookkeeper and/or 3 years experience in Fixed Assets Management
• 1 year experience in Asset controls
• Willingness to travel on a national basis

Key Deliverables:

• Compile, maintain and update fixed asset registers
• Classify assets accordingly to company criteria and policies
• To accurately account for assets utilized within the company
• Generate monthly and quarterly asset reports
• Liaise with insurance company in terms of claims and status reporting of claims
• To comply with insurance requirements
• Annual asset verification process

Interested applicants must please forward their CV’s and proof of compliance with requirements to hr@er24.co.za or fax to 0867435859
Closing date: 23 July 2010

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Claims Assessor (Paulshof)

2010-07-12T09:41:00.001+02:00

Competency Profile (Education, experience, skills & behaviour):

• Minimum qualification ILS
• Minimum 2 years operations experience
• Registration with HPCSA
• Committed Team Player and Good Communicator

Key Deliverables:

• Capturing of claims
• Verifications and querying of claims
• Verification of medical aid members
• Clinically assess PRF’s from service providers in accordance with ER24 Guidelines
• Handle queries from service providers and Contracted Medical Aids
• Provide monthly reports on all claims

Interested applicants must please forward their CV’s and proof of compliance with requirements to hr@er24.co.za or fax to 0867435859
Closing date: 23 July 2010

Pedestrian Critical After Been Struck By Car.

2010-07-12T09:06:00.000+02:00

ER24 paramedics responded to a call that a man had been knocked down on the N3 Durban bound between Ashburton and Lynnfield Park this morning.

Once on scene, they found the man lying in the middle lane of the freeway, with the light motor vehicle a few meters away. The man to be in his late forties had sustained serious traumatic injuries and needed advanced life support intervention. He was intubated and placed on a ventilator and stabilised further before he was transported to Edendale Hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the light motor vehicle who was in shock at the time, had not suffered any visible injuries would go and see his doctor later if required.

Road Closed Due To Truck Accident.

2010-07-12T08:05:00.000+02:00

A truck driver to be in his late thirties is in a serious condition after the truck that he was in rolled and caught a light on the R617 near Nandi Hill in the vicinity of Boston Bulwer this morning.

ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene and found the driver being treated by the local government service. The driver had sustained a possible broken leg and multiple lacerations. He was placed on a drip and given fluid to help with any blood loss that may have happened. Advanced life support intervention was also performed on the patient before he was transported to Pietermaritzburg Medi-Clinic in a serious but stable condition.

It is believed that the driver started to have mechanical problems with the truck that was carrying maize meal. He lost control on the bend and rolled the truck, this caused the vehicle to catch alight. Maize meal could be seen strewed across the R617 leading up to the truck.
The necessary authorities were on the scene and would be investigating the incident.