Jadd
Pack Dog
Whether you're in Northcliff, Melville, Brixton or Roosevelt Park, emergency care workers can now get to you faster using motorcycles.
17 October 2011
THE country’s largest private emergency medical service, Netcare 911 now has a motorcycle response unit (MRU) aimed at reducing response time.
This is because the first 60 minutes following a traumatic injury is commonly known as the 'golden hour' because a victim's chances of recovery are best if they receive medical care within this short window period.
The response unit will be operated by trained paramedics who are also experienced motorcyclists.
"We are undertaking a trial with the unit to determine how we may reduce our emergency response times during peak traffic periods," said Peter Feurstein, operations director for Netcare 911.
"Traffic in Johannesburg can sometimes be debilitating, slowing down emergency response vehicles and increasing the time it takes emergency medical services to reach a patient. "
The trial of the unit will run from October to December and will ascertain how useful and practical such a service will be.
The riders will be equipped with communication devices in their helmets so they can stay in touch with the Netcare 911 dispatch centre.
They will have all the equipment and medical supplies usually carried by a first responder paramedic.
"We are constantly looking at ways to improve response times and better serve the community," said Feurstein.
"This trial will tell us if MRUs are a practical solution to the traffic problems experienced in major CBDs in South Africa. May this innovative approach to emergency medicine assist in saving many more lives
17 October 2011
THE country’s largest private emergency medical service, Netcare 911 now has a motorcycle response unit (MRU) aimed at reducing response time.
This is because the first 60 minutes following a traumatic injury is commonly known as the 'golden hour' because a victim's chances of recovery are best if they receive medical care within this short window period.
The response unit will be operated by trained paramedics who are also experienced motorcyclists.
"We are undertaking a trial with the unit to determine how we may reduce our emergency response times during peak traffic periods," said Peter Feurstein, operations director for Netcare 911.
"Traffic in Johannesburg can sometimes be debilitating, slowing down emergency response vehicles and increasing the time it takes emergency medical services to reach a patient. "
The trial of the unit will run from October to December and will ascertain how useful and practical such a service will be.
The riders will be equipped with communication devices in their helmets so they can stay in touch with the Netcare 911 dispatch centre.
They will have all the equipment and medical supplies usually carried by a first responder paramedic.
"We are constantly looking at ways to improve response times and better serve the community," said Feurstein.
"This trial will tell us if MRUs are a practical solution to the traffic problems experienced in major CBDs in South Africa. May this innovative approach to emergency medicine assist in saving many more lives
