Cape Town paramedics fear contracting the Coronavirus as they only have gloves and masks for protection.
The emergency workers have asked Western Cape Government Health to provide them all with Hazmat suits, but the department says this protective gear is only given to those healthcare workers dealing with confirmed cases of Covid-19.
On Monday, the department confirmed only specialised ambulance crews transporting infected persons were equipped with Hazmat suits.
But paramedics, who spoke to the Daily Voice on condition of anonymity, say they fear for their lives during callouts as they do not know the status of their patients.
They also berated some members of the public who are refusing to adhere to lockdown rules.
“The whole Cape Town thinks this is a joke,” says one paramedic.
“I am working in fear because I can carry this Coronavirus to my kids and family.
“We are just given gloves and masks.
“It was said that patients must first show signs and symptoms before they can be isolated.
“The PPE (personal protective equipment) is for crews transporting (confirmed) cases.
DESIRE: Fearful medics have asked for Hazmat suits
“But I am literally in and out of the Covid-19 tent and have no choice.
“I pray the people out there can adhere (to lockdown).
“This is one hell of a dangerous virus and people are thinking it’s a political stunt.”
Western Cape Government Health spokesman Mark van der Heever says specialised staff is assigned to Covid-19 cases.
“Dedicated vehicles and crew are dispatched according to the healthcare requirement. Not just any staff member will be assigned,” he explains.
“The crews assigned to transport suspected Covid-19 cases are equipped with the necessary protective gear.”
EXPLAIN: Mark van der Heever
Meanwhile, attacks on ambulances are continuing.
In the latest incident on Sunday, medics escaped robbers along Spine Road near Strandfontein after a man hung on the back of the ambulance.
“A member of the public who had been driving behind the ambulance alerted the crew,” says the paramedic.
Since January there have been “a staggering 12 incidents” of robbery and attacks on paramedics, says Deanna Bess of the Western Cape Emergency Medical Services.
She called on mense to piemp the skelms to police.