Some residents in the Eastern Cape have been left frustrated by delays or outright lack of response by Emergency Medical Services in the province. This is in part caused by a chronic shortage of ambulances and paramedics. Recent labour disputes have further complicated the situation.
Ambulances in Amathole and Qonce have not been attending to emergencies as aggrieved workers refuse to board the “unequipped” vehicles. Workers who spoke to DispatchLIVE (http://www.dispatchlive.co.za) on Thursday said they were only complying with the “checklist” provided by the department of health, of requirements an ambulance is supposed to meet.