Two paramedics from KwaZulu-Natal have been suspended after reportedly refusing to use a stairway to reach a patient, instructing the family to bring her to them instead.
They subsequently left the scene because they felt the neighbors were taking too long.
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The provincial health department has taken immediate precautionary action by suspending the paramedics to facilitate an unhindered investigation.
According to the department, the paramedics allegedly declined to exit the ambulance and use the stairway to reach the patient, stating that it was not their responsibility to do so. Instead, they insisted that the patient be brought up by her relatives.
While the neighbors were attempting to carry the patient up the stairs, the paramedics purportedly criticized them for being too slow and wasting their time, ultimately leaving the scene.
The patient was eventually taken to the hospital. She was transported to a clinic using an e-hailing taxi and then transferred to the hospital via an ambulance.
Concerned neighbors and relatives brought this issue to the attention of senior health department officials through social media, prompting action against the paramedics.
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The department expressed deep concern over these allegations, as such behavior directly contradicts the primary objectives of emergency care providers.
To address any acts of impropriety, the department encourages the use of the Bika Sikusize mobile app, which allows for prompt reporting and resolution of such incidents.
