The National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Day which is observed on 17 October annually was officially launched by the Minister of Health in 2019. It aims to raise awareness about the critical role played by EMS personnel who operate in the coalface of healthcare delivery and are usually the first touch-point of the healthcare system as they respond to emergencies.

“Emergency medical services are crucial in the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI). The corner stone of the NHI is equitable access to healthcare and emergency medical services are often the first point of access into the health system, and therefore the role of EMS in any health system must never be underestimated,” reflected MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko ahead of EMS Day.

Despite facing attacks by the communities, they serve, the Green Angels as Gauteng EMS are fondly called, continue to respond to an increased volume of calls. Over 490 000 calls were received by the Gauteng EMS communication centre between September 2021 and August 2022.

The celebration of EMS day will see MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko amongst other things issuing medals, long service awards and training certificates including unveiling the first 4x4 ambulance in the country which is custom made to enter restricted areas, rescue response bakkies and a mobile classroom aimed at ensuring that the Green Angels are not left behind when it comes to skills development.

The media is invited to the emergency medical services day as follows:

Date: Friday, 28 October 2022
Time: 09h30
Venue: Kobie Muller Hall, Bertha Gxowa Reginal Hospital, Angus Street, Germiston

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Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health

For more information, contact Tshepo Shawa, Spokesperson: Gauteng MEC for Health 072 222 6333 or Tshepo.Shawa@gauteng.gov.za

Or
Motalatale Modiba, Gauteng Department of Health Head of

Communication 064 803 0808 or mediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za

For media releases, speeches and news visit the Gauteng Department of Health’s portal at www.gauteng.gov.za.