A Surrey Estate family is facing criminal charges after they beat and swore at two paramedics who came to their home to assist a sick relative on Saturday.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson, Deanna Bessick, says the incident in which a male and female paramedic were assaulted took place shortly after 3pm.
“A male and female paramedic were responding to a call when the patient’s family began to physically assault them,” she explains.
“The family wanted the patient to be transported to Groote Schuur Hospital instead of Heideveld Community Health Centre.”
She says standard protocol is for patients to be transported to the hospital that is nearest to their home, and the paramedics were about to ask permission for the person to be taken to Groote Schuur Hospital when they were attacked.
“The officials were walking towards the ambulance to make a call to the Communications Centre to enquire if they may transport the patient to Groote Schuur when the family became aggressive and began cursing, shoving and hitting them.
“This behaviour and the nature of such hostile attacks on EMS staff who are essential workers, especially during these difficult times, is strongly condemned.”
She says the paramedics did not have any serious injuries, but the matter was reported at Manenberg Police Station.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirms the circumstances around the incident and says the paramedics came under attack by 10 people and fled.
PROBE: SAPS FC van Wyk confirms
He says they were attending to an elderly woman needing medical care.
“Suddenly about 10 people that were at the residence started attacking the EMS employees.
“They fled the scene when they realised that their lives were in danger.
“The paramedics fled to the police station where a case of common assault has been registered for investigation.
“No arrest has been made as yet and the investigation continues.”