In South Africa, paramedics are facing growing threats to their safety while responding to emergencies, a trend highlighted by a harrowing experience shared by Sonia, a senior paramedic working for a private ambulance service in Meyerton, south of Johannesburg.
Sonia, who prefers to remain anonymous, recounted a chilling encounter during an emergency call. While helping a patient suffering from a brain embolism, she was confronted by armed robbers who threatened her life and stole her jewelry. “I was staring into a gun,” she said, recalling how the gunmen pushed her and others to the ground while screaming threats. Though shaken, she continued to care for her patient, whose condition worsened in the wake of the traumatic encounter. Days later, Sonia experienced post-traumatic shock, leading her to seek counseling before returning to work.
Sonia’s story reflects a growing issue in South Africa, where emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are increasingly targeted in violent attacks. According to the World Population Review, South Africa has the fifth-highest crime rate globally, particularly marked by high levels of assault and violent crime. The National Department of Health reports that attacks on EMS personnel have been on the rise since 2014, with incidents varying from 30 to 109 annually.
These dangers extend beyond paramedics to nonprofit volunteer services like Community Emergency Response Team South Africa (CERT-SA), where paramedics such as Cecil Parsons and Gavin Arrow are frequently dispatched to life-threatening accidents. The threat of attacks is always present, adding to the already dangerous nature of their work.
The increasing violence against first responders is a critical concern, as it hinders the ability of EMS personnel to perform their duties safely. Despite the risks, paramedics continue to serve on the front lines, demonstrating resilience and dedication to saving lives in a country where safety is an ongoing challenge.