As South Africa prepares for the Easter long weekend, first responders and emergency medical services countrywide, including Netcare 911, are preparing for a surge in emergency calls.
"Being a paramedic is more than administering medication or stabilising a fracture. It's about having the compassion to connect with someone in their moment of greatest need, the courage to face unimaginable scenes, and the commitment to put others first,” says Craig Grindell, managing director of Netcare 911 and a paramedic with three decades of experience.
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Netcare 911 urges all road users to prioritise safety this Easter weekend:
- Plan trips carefully and allow for extra travel time
- Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue
- Never drive under the influence
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| Ahead of the long weekend, Netcare 911 is appealing to drivers to take every precaution on the roads to prevent accidents, as busy times on the country’s roads tend to be higher risk. |
| Netcare 911 has made a strong call for road safety ahead of the Easter weekend and is asking all road users to please give emergency vehicles the right of way and avoid using emergency lanes as this can hinder emergency services when we are attending to emergencies where time is of the essence. |
A call for road safety this Easter
Netcare 911 urges all road users to prioritise safety this Easter weekend:
• Plan trips carefully and allow for extra travel time
• Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue
• Never drive under the influence
“Ahead of the long weekend, we are appealing to drivers to take every precaution on the roads to prevent accidents, as busy times on the country’s roads tend to be higher risk,” Grindell says.
“Every second counts in a life-threatening situation, so please give emergency vehicles right of way and avoid using emergency lanes as this can hinder emergency services when we are attending to emergencies where time is of the essence,” he says.
There are many different types of medical emergencies, and the Netcare 911 emergency operations centre [EOC] has trained emergency medical personnel on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to provide expert assistance and support over the phone until help arrives.
The makings of a paramedic
Asked what it takes to be a member of Netcare 911’s emergency medical services, Grindell says: “What truly sets a paramedic apart is the sense of vocation and the deep-seated desire to serve others. Technical expertise, solid training and excellent skills are essential, but we also need resilient people who can think on their feet and handle rapidly evolving situations,” he says.
"For most emergency first responders, the holidays aren’t about spending time with family and friends. They are about answering a calling, a commitment to easing pain, saving lives, and being there in moments of desperation. Each emergency services member is fully prepared to make the sacrifice of missing their child's Easter egg hunt to be on the scene of a serious accident – that's the commitment we're talking about.”
He explains that Netcare 911 prepares for the Easter surge in road accidents and other emergencies by "meticulously analysing data to optimise resource allocation," ensuring the fastest possible response times.
Help is on hand
If you need help in a medical emergency, contact Netcare 911 on 082 911 or download the Netcare App in advance.
The Netcare App includes emergency call and geolocation functions to assist in minimising response times by precisely locating callers – even in remote areas or if the caller doesn’t know the address. The Netcare App also includes a Netcare 911 60-second callback option and provides tracking of the ambulance and response vehicles’ estimated arrival time.
Making that crucial call
“If you are not using the Netcare App, it is important to give the dispatcher an accurate location of where help is needed. Please provide the physical street address, landmarks and any other details that will help paramedics find the patient quickly. And make sure to give the operator a contact number at the scene, just in case the call is interrupted, so they can phone you back,” he says.
“Never hang up on the emergency operator and stay on the line for instructions or directions until the ambulance arrives. In addition to dispatching paramedics, our national emergency operations centre will be able to guide you through what to do to assist the person in need until our response vehicle and personnel arrive on the scene.”
While paramedics are experienced in delivering compassionate care, Netcare 911 also collaborates with trauma counsellors and support organisations that provide counselling, grief support, and practical assistance to survivors of traumatic accidents and their families.
"Our paramedics are highly trained, and this includes keeping their emotions in check while providing critical care. But some scenes, particularly those involving children, are incredibly difficult. We must acknowledge the stress and potential trauma associated with this work, which is why we prioritise comprehensive, multi-faceted emotional support for our members," he says.
"This weekend, I'll be working alongside our Netcare 911 team, and I won't be the only EMS leader on the ground. It is a privilege for us to serve with all our dedicated colleagues who sacrifice time with their families this Easter to help others,” Grindell says.
“On behalf of Netcare 911, I want to thank all emergency workers nationwide – from the SAPS and firefighters to paramedics, doctors, nurses, and every other first responder. Your dedication and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your service.”
Ends.
Notes to editors
Experience seamless healthcare access with the Netcare App. Enjoy convenient healthcare anytime, anywhere, with expert medical care at your fingertips. Book appointments, consult with GPs virtually and manage pre-admissions all in one place. From emergency response services with geolocation to seamless admission, discover a new level of care. Download the Netcare App today.
Alternatively, contact Netcare Appointmed on 0860 555 565, Mondays to Fridays, 08:00 to 17:00, to make an appointment with a therapist, doctor or specialist practising at a Netcare hospital, Netcare Medicross or Netcare Akeso facility near you.
For media enquiries, please contact MNA at the contact details listed below:
Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare 911
For media enquiries contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster, Clementine Forsthofer or Natasha Burger
Telephone: 011 469 3016
Email: [email protected]