Two Gauteng EMS workers attacked at gunpoint while transporting a patient on N1

Two Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel were attacked at gunpoint while transporting a patient on the N1 highway in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The incident happened at about 01:30, shortly after Phumlani Plaza, when the ambulance was reportedly spiked while travelling from Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital to Jubilee Hospital for a down-referral.

According to Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona, the crew stopped to assess the ambulance after it was spiked.

Two armed men then approached the vehicle and opened fire.

“The officials immediately took steps to remove themselves from the danger, with one seeking safety in a nearby area while the other drove away from the scene,” Mabona said.

The Emergency Communication Centre was alerted following the attack, prompting Gauteng EMS management, other available EMS crews and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to respond.

The patient, who remained stable during the ordeal, was transferred to another ambulance and safely transported to Jubilee Hospital.

Both EMS personnel were subsequently taken to a medical facility for assessment.

The Gauteng Department of Health has activated its Employee Wellness services and is providing the officials with emotional and psychological support following the traumatic incident.

The department condemned the attack, warning that violence against emergency medical personnel puts both healthcare workers and patients at risk.

“We are deeply concerned that EMS personnel, who work around the clock to save lives and provide essential medical services, continue to face violence while carrying out their duties,” Mabona said.

He said attacks on EMS personnel could delay emergency services and place patients who urgently require medical attention at further risk.

The department called on communities and members of the public to protect EMS personnel and cooperate with SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

“GDoH remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of its employees and will continue working with SAPS and other stakeholders to strengthen measures to protect frontline healthcare workers,” Mabona said.