Two Taxi Accidents on 31 December 2009

ER24 attended to two incidents where taxis were involved this morning.

The first incident was on Jip De Jager Road in Welgemoed, where four people sustained moderate injuries when a taxi overturned.

The second incident occurred at the intersection of Hertzog Boulevard and Oswald Pirow Road in Cape Town central. Five people sustained minor to moderate injuries when two taxis collided.

(Archive photos)

Cape Town [Joostenberg Vlakte] Klipheuwel Road on 30 December 2009 at 10h15

Eleven people were injured when three cars, of which one went down an embankment, were involved in an incident on the N1 off-ramp to Klipheuwel Road, near Joostenberg Vlakte.

The patients, including children, were treated for minor to moderate injuries before being transported to various surrounding hospitals for further medical treatment.

The events surrounding the incident are unknown at this stage.

Two taxis overturn in less than two hours - Cape Town

Ten people were injured when a minibus taxi overturned on the R300, near Van Riebeeck Road, in the direction of Mitchells Plain.

The injured sustained minor to moderate injuries and were taken by ER24 and Metro EMS ambulances to Delft Day Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital for further treatment. It is unclear at this stage as to what caused the taxi to overturn.

A second minibus taxi overturned on Francie Van Zijl Road, near Connaught Road, in Parow Valley. This accident occurred less than two hours after the taxi overturning on the R300 and paramedics had just finished handing over the patients at hospital from that incident.

Five people sustained minor to moderate injuries and were taken to various surrounding hospitals. It is alleged that the right rear wheel of the taxi came loose and caused it to overturn.

Cape Town [Khayelitsha] Mew Road on 16 December 2009 at 20h45

Four people died and five others were injured when a Toyota and a VW Jetta collided on Mew Way, near Spine Road, in Khayelitsha.

The four deceased were dead on arrival of emergency services. The five patients were all in a serious condition and were transported to hospital by ER24 and Metro EMS ambulances.

Rescue crews from Metro Rescue and the Fire Department had to use hydraulic rescue equipment to extricate some of the patients from the mangled cars.

Police were in attendance and are investigating the cause of the collision.

Famous Stormer Helps Keep Medicopter Rescue Crews Sharp

Famous Stormer full-back, Joe Pietersen, helped the rescue crews of the Surf Rescue Medicopter keep their skills sharp when he volunteered to take part in a rescue simulation at Big Bay.

Joe, the simulated patient, was taken out by the inshore rescue boat of the Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and dropped around a 150m offshore. The Medicopter then took off from the heli pad at Big Bay, where it had landed earlier in the day after finishing a beach patrol.

His Stormer teammates looked on from the beach as the rescue simulation took place. The public were also quite keen to see the Medicopter in action, with Joe as the simulated patient. After the textbook rescue simulation was completed, the crew of the Medicopter thanked Joe for his willingness in helping them keep their skills sharp, before flying off on another beach patrol.

For anybody interested in seeing the Medicopter in action, there will be a rescue demonstration at Big Bay on Friday 18 December at 11h00.

Cape Town [Bloekombos] Old Paarl Road on 16 December 2009 at 08h10

Two people died and twelve others were injured when a taxi overturned on Old Paarl Road in Bloekombos.

When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found multiple people scattered around the taxi, of which two were dead on arrival. Two other patients were in a serious condition and the remaining ten patients sustained minor to moderate injuries.

The patients were taken to various surrounding hospitals by ER24 and Metro EMS ambulances for further treatment. The cause of the incident is being investigated by the police.

Witness the Medicopter in Action

ER24, NSRI and Lifesaving Western Province are putting on a rescue demonstration featuring the Sea Rescue Medicopter.

Where: Big Bay, Bloubergstrand (near the surf lifesaving club)
When: Friday, 18 December 2009
Time: 11h00

Each service will be represented at the demonstration and will be on hand to answer any questions.

Cape Town [Faure] R102 on 13 December 2009 at 20h00

Two people died and three others were injured when a car overturned on the R102 in Faure.

On arrival of emergency services, they found a girl, believed to be in her mid teens, lying dead next to the vehicle. A man in his early twenties was found around sixty metres from the vehicle and was also dead on arrival.

A seventeen-year-old boy was found approximately twenty metres from the vehicle in a serious condition, he was taken by ER24 ambulance to Tygerberg Hospital. Another male patient was taken by Metro EMS ambulance to Heldeberg Hospital in a moderate condition. A male patient, who sustained minor injuries, did not go to hospital.

The cause of the incident is unclear but police are investigating the matter.

Only a flight away

The newest addition to the ER24-
Discovery Surf Rescue Medicopter family
went live in Cape Town on the 10th
of December 2009. The Surf Rescue
Medicopter will be used in conjunction
with Lifesaving Western Province
(LWP) and the National Sea Rescue
Institute (NSRI), to enhance
their existing surf
rescue operations in the
Western Cape over the
busy festive season.

The Surf Rescue Medicopter
is crewed by a Base4 pilot,
an ER24 medic, a NSRI paterrer and
a LWP swimmer.
The core focus of their operations is
divided into three main parts (patrol,
rescue and search). They will be patrolling
the coastline on the lookout for
bathers and craft in distress, performing
rescues by deploying appropriate resources
from the Surf Rescue Medicopter
in surf related emergencies, and providing
an aerial view during surf related
search operations.

On the day of the launch, a crowd
gathered at Melkbosstrand beach as
the crews of the Surf Rescue Medicopter
performed a demonstration
of their skills. After the Surf Rescue
Medicopter landed and shut
down, the public took the opportunity
to take photos next to the impressively
branded helicopter.

A basic overview of how the crew
function as a team during a rescue
operation; the pilot will position the
helicopter near the patient, the rescue
swimmer then jumps from the
helicopter with a torpedo buoy, harness
and strop, and
then rescues the patient.
The patterer
then drops the static
line down for the
rescue swimmer to attach himself
and the patient. The patterer is the
“pilot’s eyes” when the helicopter is
hovering over the rescuer and gives
the pilot directions on how to move
the helicopter in regards to the
swimmer below. The helicopter then
lifts the rescuer and patient out the
water and fly to the beach, where
they are then lowered down. The
medic will then initiate medical
treatment if required.

The Surf Rescue Medicopter will
also be deployed along the Hibiscus
Coast.
Numerous rescue simulations will
take place during the course of the
day. The Surf Rescue Medicopter
will also land at strategic places during
the day where the public can
view the helicopter along with the
MGSU (Medicopter Ground Support
Unit) operated by Tristan Wadeley
in the Cape Region.
The Surf Rescue Medicopter will
also standing by at the BMW Polo
on the 29th of December in Kurland.
Another exciting event is the
“Sabrina Love Ocean” Challenge in
Plettenburg Bay on the 27 and 28th
of December. Full emergency medical
services will be provided by the
Surf Rescue and MGSU at these
events.

For any further media information
regarding the Surf Rescue Medicopter,
please contact Tristan Wadeley
on 084 211 2277.
Tristan Wadeley - MGSU Cape Town

Two Incidents Where People Were Hit by Trains on 17 November 2009

ER24 paramedics attended to two separate incidents where people were hit by trains today. The first incident occurred at the Muldersvlei Train Station in Stellenbosch just before 16h00. A man, believed to be in his late thirties, was found lying on the tracks, under the train, at the station. The man sustained serious injuries and was dead on arrival of emergency services. According to witnesses, it is alleged that the man jumped in front of the train. Police are investigating the incident further.

The second incident occurred at Bellville Station around a hour and a half after the first incident. A twenty one-year-old man allegedly fell while attempting to get on the train while it is was in motion. The man was found lying under the train between the tracks and the platform. Paramedics worked with the Fire Department in a confined space under the train to stabilise the patient. The man sustained serious injuries but was in a stable condition, he was transported to Tygerberg Hospital for further treatment. The paramedics would like to thank the police and Metrorail officials for assisting them and enabling them to perform their duties safely.

Cape Town [Kenridge] Tygerberg Valley Road on 17 November 2009 at 00h00

One person died and three others were injured when a car crashed through a residential wall on Tygerberg Valley Road, in Kenridge, in the early hours of this morning.

A boy, believed to be fifteen years old, was dead on arrival of emergency services and was found on the back seat of the wreckage. The driver of the car, believed to have been ejected from the vehicle, sustained moderate injuries. Two other passengers in the vehicle sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital in a critical condition.

The exact cause of the collision was unknown on the scene but police are investigating the incident.

Durban (Central) Smith Street at 16h25 on 16 November 2009

The almost constant rain today has left most of Durban's roads wet and slippery.

On Smith street at about 16h25 a vehicle travelling down the road lost control in the wet conditions, causing it to spin out and hit several vehicles before coming to rest on the pavement against a pillar supporting the roof of Inspecta-Car.

Fortunately the pillar only lost some tiles and the structural integrity of the roof was not compromised. It is alleged that the driver, who is a foreign national was speeding down the road in his converted vehicle when he lost control.

The 2 toned vehicle sporting a personalised number plate for next years 2010 World Cup was severely damaged in the accident. The driver as well as those of the other vehicles were fortunate to escape serious injury.

Durban ( Queensburgh ) M7 and N2 Intersection at 12h00 on the 16 November 09

Mid morning traffic was severely affected at the intersection of the M7 and N2, involving two trucks and five cars.

It is alleged that the driver of a dry bulk haulage truck suffered mechanical failure whilst travelling down the M7. The failure led to the driver been able to stop his vehicle as it careened through the intersection causing wide spread damage until it came to rest in oncoming traffic and burst into flames. Wreckage from the accident was strewn across all four lanes of the east bound carriage way of the M7.

The accident resulted in a Reclamation group truck loaded with a skiff full of scrap metal over turning and blocking the off ramp of the N2. The majority of the cars were hit whilst turning onto the on ramp for the N2. An elderly woman who's vehicle was struck from behind was treated for serious injuries. The driver of the over turned truck sustained injuries to his head. Three other patients were treated for moderate injuries. The driver of the out of controlled truck managed to escape the fire that ravaged the cabin of his truck with out any injuries.

Emergency services where quick to respond and had the fire doused with in minutes, limiting the damage to only the horse. The patients were transported to hospitals in the greater Durban areas for further medical treatment. Metro police, Fire Department, EMRS and RTI were in attendance.

Montrose (Pietermaritzburg) N3 Peter Brown offramp (S) 13 November 2009 - 14h30

A petrol tanker has gone down the embankment and overturned on the Peter Brown offramp in Pietermaritzburg. The tanker was carrying large amounts of petrol and diesel when the driver alledgedly couldn't stop at the top of the offramp and broke through the armco barrier.

The truck then overturned as it went down the bank. The driver had managed to free himself from the truck and was found by ER24 paramedics on the top near the road surface. He was stabilized and transported to Pietermaritzburg Medi-clinic by ER24 paramedics for further management of his injuries.

He is currently in a stable condition at Pietermaritzburg Medi-clinic. Fire Emergency and Rescue Services had taken control of the scene. Foam had been placed over the truck and the possible spillage area in order to minimise the possibility of a fire and are thus taking precautions to prevent a possible spillage.

The truck is lying approximately ten metres down the embankment and on its side. Road traffic Inspectorate officers closed the access for all traffic to the to the scene including the Peter Brown offramp in order to secure the scene.

SAPS collision unit will be invesigating the incident.

Cape Town [Durbanville] R304 on 07 November 2009 at 08h15

A head-on collision between an Isuzu bakkie and a Jeep, on the R304 in Durbanville, has left three people dead and two injured this morning.

Three people from the Isuzu bakkie were dead on arrival of emergency services, of which two were found outside the vehicle and believed to have been ejected in the collision.

Two people from the Jeep sustained moderate injuries. One patient was transported by Metro EMS to Tygerberg Hospital and the other patient was taken by ER24 to Durbanville Medi-Clinic.

It is alleged that the Isuzu bakkie was overtaking a group of cyclists when the collision occurred. Police were in attendance and are investigating the incident further.

Stellenbosch - R44 on 06 November 2009 at 19h45

One person died and another is in a serious condition after a Toyota Quantum and Toyota Corolla collided on the R44, around ten kilometres outside of Stellenbosch.

A female occupant of the Corolla was in a serious but stable condition and was taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment. A man, also an occupant of the Corolla, was declared dead on arrival of emergency services.

There were no injuries reported from the occupants of the Quantum. The exact cause of the collision is unclear but police are investigating the incident.

Durban ( Central ) West Street inside Edgars at 17H20 on the 2 Novemeber 09

One person is dead, another two people are in a serious condition. Another five people have sustained minor to moderate injuries. A taxi has crashed into the front doors of Edgars in West street, leaving a mass of destruction in its path.

The driver of the taxi who still had his lolly pop in his mouth was declared deceased by emergency personnel on the scene. He had sustained a fatal gun shot wound to his body. Two workers from the store who were caught in the cross fire are in a serious condition. they had sustained multiple gun shot wounds and need to be stabilised by ER24 Advanced Life Support paramedics.

Both patients were transported to a near by hospital for further medical treatment. Another worker from the store and five other members of public have been stabilised and taken to hospital for further medical treatment. It is believed that the five other injured were hit by the taxi when it came through the doors.

The reason for the taxi driver to drive through the store is unclear, even the shooting has left people puzzled. SAPS, Metro Police and Fire Department were on scene and will be investigating. The scene is still chaotic at the moment as members of public are trying to see the taxi inside the store. Metro police have closed West street.

Pietermaritzburg ( Howick ) on the Clinic Road at 15H00 on the 3 November 09

A 9yr old boy is in a serious condition after being knocked down by a light motor vehicle in the Mpophomen area this afternoon. The youngster was on his way home along the Clinic road when the incident occurred.

ER24 paramedics who attended the scene, found the patient lying on the floor, clutching his chest and gasping for air. Paramedics noticed that most of the damage to the Mercedes Benz had been to the front end. The patient was examined for any further injuries before been placed on a specialised device to assist with moment and placed into the ambulance. The young boy was transported to Northdale Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

ER24 would like to urge motorist to be more vigilant and decrease speed in areas where school children are know to be, especially around the time that schools break up for the day.

Pietermaritzburg ( Copesville ) New Grey Town Road at 13H30 on the 3 November 09

An 18yr old boy is in a serious condition after been stabbed numours times this afternoon. ER24 were called by local police to New Grey Town road where the patient was found. The patient who was found seated on the side of the road in a pool of blood, had sustained multiple stab wounds to his body.

ER24 paramedics had to cover the wounds to help prevent any further blood loss and he required intravenous fluid therapy to help replace some of the lost blood. The patient was transported to Northdale Hospital in a serious but stable condition for further medical treatment.

It is unclear why the young man was stabbed but it is alleged that a fight broke out between the patient and unknown female at the time of the incident. The patient did not want say what the fight was about and would not give any reason why he was stabbed.

Pietermaritzburg ( Town Hill ) N3 South Bound below Peter Brown Off Ramp at 12H00 on the 3 November 09

A member of Parliament is in a serious condition after the vehicle he was travelling in over turned this afternoon. ER24 paramedics rushed to the accident scene which had taken place on the N3 South bound just below the Peter Brown off ramp. On arrival emergency personal found a single vehicle lying on its roof, the driver was found outside seated next to his vehicle. ER24 paramedics assessed the patient and treated him for possible head and neck injuries. The patient was stabilised and transported to Pietermaritzburg Medi-Clinic in a serious but stable condition.

It is believed that the driver was travelling on the N3 North bound, when he lost control and crashed through the centre medium before over turning on to the N3 South bound. It is unclear why the driver lost control but SAPS will be investigating the accident.

Pietermaritzburg ( Central ) Pietermaritzburg Train Station at 05H00 on the 3 November 09

A Train driver and assistant has been left in a serious condition after the train they were travelling in had derailed at the Pietermaritzburg train station. The incident took place just after 5am this morning. Three locomotives were found lying on their side about 200m past the train station.

The patients were found some distance from the front locomotive and it is unclear if they were flung from the derailing train. Both patients had sustained multiple injuries and was stabilised on the scene by ER24 Advanced Life Support paramedics before they were transported to Pietermaritzburg Medi-Clinic. They are in a serious but stable condition.

It is believed that the three locomotives were transporting maize in multiple containers at the time of the incident. It is still unclear what had caused the derailment but the relevant local authorities are on scene to conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

The derailment has caused the train station to be closed until further notice.

Cape Town [Bellville] N1 on 02 November 2009 at 11h30

Two people were injured when a bakkie rolled on the N1 between Durban Road and Old Oak Road in Bellville. The two people from the bakkie were taken to Louis Leipoldt Medi-Clinic in a moderate condition for further treatment.

Emergency services that arrived on the scene were told that the bakkie, which was lying on its side in the centre island, was carrying hazardous material. The necessary precautions were taken by the Hazmat crews from the Fire Department, which resulted in the N1 being closed in both directions until the exact extent of the contamination of the substance could be determined.

Officials from the Cape Town Health and Safety Department were called in and used specialised monitoring equipment to determine what the exact contamination levels were. Emergency service personnel and vehicles were also tested for any contamination levels but were declared safe. The scene was cleared up by the necessary authorities.

Road closures led to a massive back up in traffic and severely hampered travelling time in and out of the city.

Cape Town - N7 on 26 October 2009 at 18h20

One person died and fourteen people were injured when a taxi overturned on the N7, between Bosmansdam and Plattekloof Roads, in the direction of Malmesbury.

An occupant of the taxi was declared dead on arrival by emergency services. Four people sustained moderate injuries and ten others sustained minor injuries. The patients were taken to various nearby hospitals for further treatment.

It was unclear to paramedics on the scene as to what caused the Toyota Hi Ace taxi to overturn but police are investigating the incident.

Cape Town [Melkbosstrand] West Coast Road (R27) on 26 October 2009 at 09h35

One person died and another was injured in a head-on collision between a truck and a car on the West Coast Road, at the Atlantic Beach turn-off, in Melkbosstrand.

The car caught alight as a result of the collision with the driver still inside the vehicle, it is however believed that the person died on impact. The body of the driver was badly burnt so the gender could not be confirmed but according to witnesses it is believed that was a female.

The driver of the truck sustained minor injuries and was taken to Milnerton Medi-Clinic for further treatment.

The R27 was closed in both directions while police investigated the circumstances around the incident.

Cape Town - Baden Powell Drive on 24 October 2009 at 19h50

A motor vehicle collision on Baden Powell Drive, on the R102 bridge, has resulted in the death of five people.

Three people in a Toyota Corolla and two people from a Mazda were dead on arrival of emergency services.

The front passenger of the Mazda, as well as the driver and front passenger of a Jetta, were trapped in their respective vehicles and needed to be extricated by rescue crews. The patients were all in a serious condition and were taken to nearby hospitals.

Police are investigating the circumstances around the collision. Baden Powell Drive was closed at the R102 bridge while emergency services worked on the scene.

Nine people were injured in an earlier collision on Baden Powell Drive, near the R102 bridge, at around 10h45 the same day.

One patient was in a critical condition, another in a serious condition and seven others were in a moderate condition on the scene. The critical patient was trapped in a vehicle and needed to be extricated by rescue crews.

The patients were taken to Stellenbosch Medi-Clinic and Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital for further treatment.

It is alleged that two vehicles collided head-on, with a third vehicle crashing due to the initial collision. Police were in attendance and are investigating the incident.

It is believed that the critical patient later died in hospital.

Cape Town [Athlone] N2 on 22 October 2009 at 07h40

Seventeen people were injured in a collision involving a taxi and two other vehicles on the N2, at the Jan Smuts turn-off, in the direction of town.

Fifteen children from a Toyota Condor taxi were taken to Red Cross Children's Hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

Two people from one of the other vehicles sustained moderate injuries and were taken to Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital.

Police were in attendance and are investigating the incident.

Cape Town [Lansdowne] Lansdowne Road on 20 October 2009 at 18h30

At around 18h30 this evening paramedics from ER24 and Life A.S.U. responded to an incident involving a taxi on Lansdowne Road, near Wetton Road, in Lansdowne.

On arrival of the paramedics a Toyota Hi Ace taxi was found lying on its side in the road. A light motor vehicle on the scene also appeared to have been involved in the incident.

Paramedics treated thirteen patients for moderate to severe injuries. The patients were taken by ER24 and Metro EMS ambulances to various nearby hospitals for further treatment.

The cause of the incident is unknown at this stage but police are investigating the matter. The road was closed in both directions while emergency services worked on scene. Traffic officials and the Fire Department were also in attendance.

Cape Town [Delft] Symphony Way on 15 October 2009 at 08h05

A collision between two taxis at the intersection of Symphony Way and Erica Drive in Delft, has led to twenty people being transported to hospital from the scene. When emergency services arrived on the scene they found both taxis in the intersection, of which one was lying on its side.

Fourteen high school children from one of the taxis sustained minor injuries, another five people from the other taxi also sustained minor injuries and one patient sustained moderate injuries. The patients were taken by ER24 and Metro EMS ambulances to Delft Day Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital for further treatment.

It is alleged that the taxi found lying on its side was "T-boned" by the other taxi which caused it to overturn. Police and traffic officials helped to regulate traffic around the incident but the collision still caused a delay in travelling time.

Malmesbury - N7 on 14 October 2009 at 14h05

One person has died and fourteen people, including children, have been injured in a collision involving a VW Caddy, VW Kombi and a truck on the N7 approximately ten kilometres before Malmesbury from Cape Town.

The driver of the Caddy was dead on arrival of emergency services and was trapped in the vehicle. The driver of the Kombi was also trapped and was extricated by rescuers from Metro Rescue and the Fire Department.

Of the fourteen patients on the scene, one person sustained serious injuries, four people sustained moderate injuries and nine people sustained minor injuries. The patients were taken to various surrounding hospitals for further treatment.

It was unclear to paramedics on the scene how the collision occurred but police are investigating the incident.

Cape Town - N2 on 11 October 2009 at 15h30

Two people have died and another nine people have been injured after a taxi rolled on the N2, opposite the airport, in the direction of Cape Town.

On arrival of emergency services a Toyota Quantum taxi was found lying on its side near the centre barrier.

Two people were declared dead on arrival, of which one was found around twenty metres from the vehicle. Five people sustained moderate injuries and four people sustained minor injuries. The patients were taken to various surrounding hospitals for further treatment.

It is unclear what caused the vehicle to overturn but police are investigating the incident.

Pietermaritzburg ( Northdale ) Khan Road at 15H20 on the 5 October 09

Fifteen learners have sustained multiple injuries after a harrowing ordeal involving a truck barrelling into the taxi that was transporting them home.

The driver of the taxi has sustained critical injuries and is entrapped in the vehicle. ER24 Advanced Life Support paramedics are working feverishly to save the man's life while Pietermaritzburg Fire Department work on freeing the man from the wreckage of his vehicle. The learners who have been treated for a wide range of injuries have been transported to local hospitals. The driver of the truck fortunately did not sustain any injuries.

Although it is unclear how the accident took place, the accident will be investigated by the relevant authorities.

Cape Town [Bloubergstrand] Otto Du Plessis Drive (M14) on 02 October 2009 at 15h05

Three people were injured in a collision between a Ford Laser and a Toyota Corolla on Otto Du Plessis Drive between Big Bay and Melkbosstrand.

The Fire Department used the "Jaws of Life" to help paramedics extricate the driver of the Ford from the vehicle. The patient had sustained serious injuries and he was taken to New Somerset Hospital.

A man believed to be the driver of the Toyota, who was allegedly ejected from the vehicle, was in a critical condition and advanced life support treatment was initiated on the scene to stabilise the patient, he was then transported to Milnerton Medi-Clinic for further stabilisation. Another occupant of the Toyota sustained moderate injuries and was taken to New Somerset Hospital.

Police were in attendance and are investigating the incident. Otto Du Plessis Drive was closed in both directions while emergency services worked on scene.

JOHANNESBURG - 02 October 2009 at between 19:20 and 19:30

Within 10 minutes apart paramedics from ER24 attended to two fatal accidents in the Johannesburg area.

Shortly after 19:20 paramedics rushed out to the N1 approximately five kilometers south of the Grassmere Toll Plaza where a taxi overturned.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene found the taxi ripped in pieces with people scattered around it. It is understood from bystanders and some of the patients that the taxi driver lost control over his vehicle shortly before it overturned.

Three people were found in a critical condition and paramedics had to initiate advanced life support in order to assist with their basic life functions.

One of the critically injured men deteriorated quickly on the scene and paramedics had to resuscitate him. After approximately an hour paramedics declared the man dead on the scene. The other two critically injured patients along with seven seriously and two moderately injured patients were rushed off to a nearby hospital for further medical stabilization.

The N1 was closed off for traffic during the rescue operations.

The Metro Police will investigate the incident.

At approximately 19:30 a pedestrian was killed on Main Road near the Leeuwkop Prison. It is understood that the male pedestrian and a friend walked next to the road when he (the deceased) apparently stumbled into the road in front of a passing car.

The pedestrian, believed to be in his early 40's was declared dead on the scene. He sustained multiple fatal injuries and there was nothing that paramedics could do for him.

The driver of the vehicle was treated on the scene for multiple cuts on his hands, believed to have been caused by the shattered windscreen.

The Johannesburg Metro Police was in attendance and will conduct an investigation.

Durban ( Berea ) N3 Outgoing near Botanical Gardens Bridge at 17H30 on the 1 October 09

Evening traffic moving out of Durban was severely affected after a sudden down poor created a large pool of water, to form in the fast lane on the N3 out going just before Botanical Gardens road.

It is believed, the driver of the taxi severed to avoid the water striking a light motor vehicle and over turning. The taxi came to rest on its side in the pool of water. This resulted in the taxi partly filling with water. The passengers who all sustained minor injuries managed to escape the vehicle and wade through the water to safety. They were examined further and transported to Life Entabeni and other surrounding hospitals for furhter medical treatment.

The driver of the light motor vehicle who was examined was found not to be injured in the accident.

Traffic was severely affected as only two lanes leaving Durban areawas open to motorist.

Durban ( Claire Estate ) Bisasar and Dhulam road at 10H30 on the 1 October 09

A driver of a dump truck is in a serious condition this morning after another tripper truck over turned onto his cabin. ER24 paramedics rushed to the site of a local dumping area too find two trucks, with one trucks bin resting on the crushed cab of the other.

The driver who was been treated by a first aider on the scene had already had his legs splinted and bandaged due to possible fractures. The first aider handed over care of the patient to ER24 staff and also gave a break down on what he had found and what possible injuries may have occured. Advanced Life Support intervention was preformed on the patient before been removed to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

It is believed that the two trucks were off loading sand and refused when the weight of the one caused the tipper to over turn on to the cabin. The driver of the truck was entrapped but was rescued by fellow workers. By looking at the damage of the truck it is a miracle that the driver is still alive to tell the tail.

Cape Town [Durbanville] Durban Road on 28 September 2009 at 18h10

A collision between a taxi and a car at the intersection of Durban Road and Eversdal Road in Durbanville resulted in eleven people being taken to hospital.

One occupant of the car sustained serious injuries and another sustained moderate injuries, the Fire Department used hydraulic rescue equipment to help extricate the patients from the vehicle, both patients from the car were taken to Durbanville Medi-Clinic.

The passengers of the taxi sustained minor to moderate injuries and were taken to Kraaifontein Day Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital for further treatment.

It is alleged that the taxi and car collided, with the taxi then climbing the pavement and hitting a signage pole head on.

RUIMSIG [ Johannesburg West ] Abraham Van Wyk Street and Hole-in-One Streets on 26 September 2009 at 08:45

Shortly before 09:00 this morning the ER24 Contact Centre was flooded with emergency calls after members of the public witnessed a helicopter crashing to the ground in Ruimsig.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene found the Robinson helicopter lying in a veld next to Hole-in-One Street.

When paramedics reached the crash site, they found both the pilot and his passenger standing next to the helicopter.

The men fortunately sustained no injuries and refused any medical attention.

It is understood that the helicopter took off from a nearby site and crashed shortly after take-off. It is not clear what caused the crash. The cause of the crash will be investigated by the necessary authorities. The area has since been closed off for public.

MARAISBURG [ Johannesburg West ] N1 Highway South at Maraisburg On Ramp on 18 September 2009 at 18:15

At least 80 people were injured and two killed in a horror 22m-bus and truck accident this evening on the N1 near the Maraisburg on ramp.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene had to join forces to treat the injured that were found scattered on the scene around the bus. Most of the occupants of the bus were in a serious condition and some sustained critical injuries when they were apparently flung from the overturning bus.

Two men were found in the bus with fatal injuries. Both of the men were trapped between the bus and the concrete. Another patient, also trapped between the bus and the highway, was in a critical condition and was airlifted to a nearby Johannesburg Hospital. The Johannesburg Fire Department had to use the jaws of life to free the trapped patient from underneath the bus.

It is understood that some patients were assisted by members of the public on the scene in rushing them to hospital prior to emergency services' arrival.

According to numerous eyewitnesses on the scene, it is understood that the bus was attempting to overtake the 22 wheeler truck and apparently misjudged its length and collided with the front of the truck. Both vehicles then overturned on the highway.

The highway was completely closed off for traffic as the 22 meter long bus and glass from the truck obstructed the highway towards Southern parts of Johannesburg. The Johannesburg Metro Police assisted motorists to return to the Maraisburg bridge and use alternative routes.

Durban ( Central ) Workshop Centre parking arcade at 15H00 on the 17 September 09

Thirteen school children have been injured this afternoon after the taxi they were in over turned. ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene and found a taxi lying on its side and all the school kids seated on the floor near the over turned vehicle.

Four students were treated for serious injuries while another nine were treated for minor to moderate injuries. The were stabilised on the scene and transported to various hospitals in the greater Durban area.

It is believed the driver of the taxi was doing donuts in the parking arcade while the school children were still in the vehicle. They asked him numours times to stop what he was doing, as they were afraid. Paramedics are appealing to the motorist to use better judgment after numours accidents caused by poor weather.

Pietermaritzburg ( Central ) 550 Berg Street at 13h30 on the 17 September 09

A 6yr old boy is in a critical condition and may even lose his arm after a hit and run accident in Berg Street this afternoon. ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene and found the young boy lying in the middle of the road.

Members of public had gathered around to help protect him from any approaching cars. ER24 paramedics had to perform Advanced Life Support on the boy and rushed him through to a local hospital in a critical condition.

It is believed that the young boy crossed the road and was hit by a VW golf; the driver drove off and left the young boy lying in the road.

Thanks to the quick response of Pietermaritzburg Traffic Department, a suspect has been arrested and they will be continuing their investigation.

Pietermaritzburg ( New Hanover ) New Grey Town Road at 07H15 on the 17 September 09

A collision this morning between a truck and a light motor vehcile has left the driver in a serious condition and the passenger with minor to moderate injuries. ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find a truck had collided into the driver's side of the light motor vehicle.

The driver had already been taken out of the vehicle by EMRS but the patient required Advanced Life Support intervention to be preformed. He was stabilised on the scene and transported to Northdale Hospital in a serious condition. The passenger of the vehicle who was treated for minor to moderate injuries was taken to Grey's Hospital for a further medical treatment.

It is unclear who was at fault in this collision but it is believed that poor visibility and wet roads could have played a factor in this collision.

Durban ( Umlazi ) Mangasotho Freeway near the Fire Department at 05H50 on the 17 September 09

Twelve people have been injured in a collision involving two taxis this morning. ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find two taxis involved in a collision. One of the taxis had gone up an embankment while the second one was in the road. The commuters were found all seated outside on the pavement.

A female who was sitting in the front of the taxi, when the collision occured was treated for serious injuries. She was stabilised on the scene and transported to hospital in a serious but stable condition. The remaining eleven patients were treated for minor to modearte injuries and transported to various hospitals in the greater Durban area.

It is believed that the first taxi was stationary and was about to collect commuters when the second taxi did not see the other vehicle at a stand still, tried to avoid it but rear ended the taxi. The impact caused the vehicle to leave the raod and go up the embankment. All the injured were from the second taxi.

EMRS, Fire Department and Metro Police were in attendance.

Cape Town - N7 on 17 September 2009 at 21h55

A collision between a Mercedes and a VW Jetta on the N7, about three kilometres past the Melkbos turn off in the direction of Malmesbury, resulted in five people being injured.

Two patients sustained serious injuries and three patients sustained minor to moderate injuries, the patients were transported to New Somerset Hospital by ER24 and Metro EMS ambulances.

Rescue crews had their skills tested extricating a patient from the wreckage of one of the vehicles.

The N7 was closed in both directions while emergency services worked on scene.

Durban ( New Germany ) Intersection of Ottovolk and Shepstone road at 06H45 on the 16 September 09

Over nine people have been hospitalised this morning after acollision in two sperate areas involving three taxis and a light motor vehicle. ER24 responded to a collision involving two taxis at the intersection of Leopard and Grey Street just after 6am this morning. Paramedics treated four patients for minor to moderat injuries and were transported to Addington Hospital for further treatment.

While on scene ER24 received another call for yet another taxi accident at the intersection of Ottovolk and Shepstone road. Paramedics rushed to the scene to find a taxi in the centre medium and a light motor vehcile stationary in the bus stop. Five occupants from the taxi were found seated on the pavement. Of the five, one was serious and the other four had minor to moderate injuries. They were stabilised on the scene and transported to various hospitals in the greater Durban area. The occupants of the light motor vehicle were examined but were happy to go see there own doctor if need be.

It is believed that the taxi lost its back wheel, causing the driver to lose control and went through the intersection and collided into the back of the light motor vehcile.

Metro police will be investigating both accidents.

Durban ( Marringhill ) Old Richmond road at 19h45 on the 15 September 09

A policeman and a member of public have been injured this evening in a collision involving three cars. ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene, to find the three vehicles in the far left hand lane of the road. Paramedics found the policeman seated on the floor and in severe pain. He had suffered a possible fracture to his leg and had to be stabilised on the scene before they could move him.

A member of public from one of the light motor vehicles had suffered possible neck and back injuries. Both patients were transported to Life Entabeni Hospital for further treatment.

It is believed that the police vehicle was rear ended, when the officer climbed out to examine the damage, a third vehicle collided into the back of the second, the impact caused the vehicle to go forward and caught the policeman's leg between the two bumpers. He was fortuante the the two bumpers did not interlink and he was able to free his leg.

It is believed that this collision occured due to wet roads and poor visibility.

Pietermaritzburg ( Presberry ) Allwyn Road at 17h30 on the 15 Septemeber 09

A municipal worker has been killed in a freak accident yesterday afternoon. ER24 paramedics responded to Allwyn road for a pedestrian that had been knocked down. When they arrived, they found a municipal worker underneath a dumpster truck. Unfortunately the man had suffered critical injuries and was declared deceased on the scene.

It is believed that the driver of the dumpster was reversing when the patient may have jumped out of the truck and accidently slippedd. The driver who was unaware of what had happened, accidentally drove over the worker. The driver was treated for shock and was advised to seek trauma counselling.

SAPS will be investigating the accident.

Cape Town [Kuilsriver] on 13 September 2009 at 22h30

A car chase between police and an alleged suspect ended in a collision at the intersection of Polka Drive and Strand Road in Kuilsriver.

It is alleged that the police were giving chase to a VW Citi Golf when the suspect rode the vehicle into the back of another car.

The thirty eight year old male suspect sustained moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance, under police guard, to Tygerberg Hospital. No injuries were reported from the other vehicle involved in the collision.

Cape Town - West Coast Road (R27) on 11 September 2009 at 12 h30

A collision between a bus and a car has left sixty seven people injured and one person dead on the West Coast Road, near the Koeberg Power Station.

One person, from the car, was dead on arrival of emergency services. Fifteen people sustained moderate injuries and fifty two people sustained minor injuries.

Emergency services combined forces to treat and transport the patients quickly from the scene to various surrounding hospitals.

The West Coast Road was closed in both directions due to the collision, police were in attendance and are investigating the incident.

Stellenbosch on 09 September 2009 at 09h20

Two people died after the bakkie they were travelling in was hit by a train while allegedly attempting to cross the railway tracks at a level crossing near Adam Tas Road in Stellenbosch.

The bakkie appeared to have been dragged around four hundred metres before coming to a stop. The deceased needed to be cut from the vehicle by rescue personnel.

Police were in attendance and are investigating the incident.

ER24 CME Programme

The CME programme was started as a measure to raise the standard of medics on the road, both within and outside of our company, though education.
As such the CME programme is open to all registered medics, from BLS to ALS, free of charge as a community service.

Currently the Programme is in a trial phase, with the view to roll it out nationally should it prove to be viable.

Thus far, the CME’s have been well attended and well received, with a lot of discussion being generated within the classroom during the lecture.
The CME’s are presented by volunteers, who are keen to impart knowledge and experience on to others.

Tim Gray of the ER24 Training Academy has been a great help in getting some of the lectures accredited for CPD points and has availed his college as a venue.

CME’s are held every Thursday Night from 19H30 to 21H30, and cover a variety of subjects, such as Cardiology, Spinal Immobilisation & Extrication, Scene Safety, Helicopter Landings and Call out Criteria etc, please see the attached schedule for lectures and dates.

Jennie Greenhill of Miracle Medical, has been wonderful in sponsoring lucky draw prizes to the attendees of our CME’s, with items such as Drug Bags and Multi-Cuff sets up for grabs.


The Schedule for the next few weeks is as follows:

September 09
10th Scene Safety, Helicopter Landings, and Call out Criteria (Tim Gray)
17th Head Injuries (Lloyd Krause)
24th Acute Bronchospasm and Acute Anaphylaxis (Matt Watermeyer)
October 09
1st Medicolegal Law and the Ambulance Attendant (Dr R Holgate and Peter Van Der Spuy)
8th Infection Control in the EMS environment. (Lloyd Krause)

It is imperative that persons interested in attending RSVP as space is limited.

Please rsvp to: Lloyd Krause xtreme.medics@gmail.com
Or Tim Gray tim.gray@er24.co.za

Venue: ER24 Training Academy, Manor 4, Cambridge Manor Office Park, Cnr, Witkoppen and Stonehaven Rds, Paulshof

Cape Town [Claremont] Main Road on 08 September 2009 at 17h10

Two people were shot at a shopping centre in Claremont in an alleged armed robbery.

A security guard was airlifted from the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, he was transported by Metro Red Cross Air Mercy Services helicopter to Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The second patient with a gunshot wound was also transported to Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital by ambulance in a stable condition.

Police were in attendance and are investigating the incident.

Cape Town [Wynberg] M3 on 08 September 2009 at 16h45

One person was killed and three people were injured when a truck, believed to have broken down, allegedly rolled down the M3 near Travato Link and crossed the centre island hitting two vehicles.

One person was dead on arrival of emergency services and two other people were in a critical condition trapped in their vehicle.

The two patients, a male and female, were extricated by rescue crews and transported to the resuscitation unit at Groote Schuur Hospital.

A technician, believed to be working on the truck when it started rolling, also sustained serious injuries but was in a stable condition.

Police are investigating the incident.

Pietermaritzburg ( Nottingham Road ) N3 South Bound near Nottingham road at 09H15 on the 7 September 09

A family of five have been involved in a collision after the car they were travelling in lost control and collided into a tree this morning. ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find all five occupants had been ejected from the vehicle and were lying around the vehicle. two patients were in a critical condition of which was a five year old child.

Advanced Life Support intervention was preformed on both patients but sadly paramedics were unable to save the man's life as he had suffered traumatic injuries. The 5yr was airlifted by the Red Cross Air Mercy Helicopter to Greys hospital in a critical condition. The remaining three patients were treated for serious injuries and were transported by road to a near by hospital for further treatment.

It is believed that the family of five from Lesotho were driving down the N3, when their light motor vehicle may have had mechanical problems. The vehicle left the road and collided into the tree. It is also lead to believe that the patient that died on the scene is the father of the young child and was also a Doctor. RTI will be investigating the accident.

Durban ( Springfield Park ) Electron road outside the Electricity Department at 07H00 on the 7 September 09

A woman is in a serious condition after the taxi she was travelling collided with another taxi and over turned this morning. ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find a taxi lying on its side and a woman lying on the road just a few meters away from the accident.


The patient was assessed on the scene and it was ascertained that she may have suffered a possible back injury. The patient was stabilised on the scene before been transported to Life Enatabeni Hospital in a serious but stable condition. A second patient was treated for minor to moderate injuries and was taken to hospital for a further check up.

It is believed that the taxi driver was travelling along Electron road towards Effingham road when the driver did not see the taxi in front of him stop. the driver tried to avoid the taxi but lost control and over turned, causing the woman who was sitting in the front to be ejected from the vehicle.

WILGEHEUWEL [ Roodepoort ] at Nic Diedericks and Hendrik Potgieter on 4 September 2009 at 17:30

A 38 year old man had to be airlifted by the Medicopter this afternoon after he sustained critical injuries during an off road motorbike accident.

Paramedics that arrived on the scene found the man lying next to Hendrik Potgieter road in a ditch, a few meters away from his motorbike. He sustained multiple serious injuries and paramedics had to call in specialist emergency medical care to stabilize the man on the scene.

The Medicopter Emergency Team quickly stabilized the man before airlifting him to a Johannesburg Hospital for further medical care.

According to a friend, who was also riding with the injured man, they always travel on the dirt next to Hendrik Potgieter. Today the horror accident occurred when the man apparently did not see the ditch and crashed into it.

The Florida Park Fire Station crew also attended the scene.

Cape Town - N2 on 05 September 2009 at 09h25

Sixteen people were injured after a Toyota Hi Ace taxi rolled on the N2, in the direction of Cape Town, opposite the airport earlier today.

Eleven people were taken to various surrounding hospitals by ER24 and Metro EMS ambulances for further treatment of minor to moderate injuries.

What caused the taxi to roll is unclear at this stage. There was a big delay in traffic entering the city due to the incident.

Durban ( Central ) Stanger street at 15H00 on the 3 September 09

A suspect has suffered minor injuries this afternoon, after he tried to steel a Luxury car from a local dealership in the area. ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene to find the suspect lying on the floor with his shirt covered in blood. The suspect who had suffered minor to moderate injuries was treated on the scene and transported to hospital under the close watch of the SAPS.

It is believed that the suspect along with another man approched the driver who was driving the Luxury motor vehicle out of the holding area for a customer. The driver who was assaulted by the two men raised the alarm. Workers came out of the workshop and gave chase and were able to apprehend the suspect until the police arrived.

SAPS were in attendence and will be investigating the incident.