This story is a strong testament to the good work being done by Life Emergency Medical Services (EMS); and while this event occurred in late August, the heartfelt responses it has garnered deserves to be shared.
The epitome of always being prepared
What was supposed to be a routine commute from work back home, turned out to be anything but for the employees of the Khumani Iron Ore mine. While travelling on the R325, the company’s minibus was struck by a pedestrian vehicle, some 30km south of Kathu in the Northern Cape. There were ten employees in the vehicle at the time of the accident, which resulted in two deaths, multiple injuries, and one remaining in critical condition.
Khumani Iron Ore is a key client of Life Health Solutions. This incident was a mass casualty that prompted a coordinated emergency response from all nearby mines – Kolomela Mine, Beeshoek Mine, Khumani EMS, Anglo Exploration, ER24, and EmerGmed. Also to join in the coordinated effort was our Life EMS team – Lebogang Mongale (Intermediate Life Support Medic) and Vincent Vilakazi (Basic Life Support Medic). Collectively, they treated all the victims on the scene, stabilised, and transported them to surrounding hospitals for medical care. Additionally, several Life Health Solutions staff members at the Khumani Iron Ore clinic stepped in to assist. They traveled to the hospital to assist in casualty; they opened files for the employees involved in the accident, and they regularly updated their teams and families on their condition.
The incident may be over, but the care continues...
The care that the patients received didn’t stop at the scene of the accident. Since then, the affected employees and their families have received counselling to help them cope with the trauma of that night. Furthermore, the caring and impactful response by Life EMS warranted an official letter of recognition from the mine’s Senior General Manager, Mark Oosthuizen, who had this to say:
“Your professionalism and diligence in providing quality medical care is unparalleled and a true testament to what the healthcare industry stands for. We are proud of your dedication and commitment to the well-being of those involved in the accident and their families”.
Always prepared and ready. Lebogang Mongale (Intermediate Life Support Medic) and Vincent Vilakazi (Basic Life Support Medic).
When people are at their most vulnerable, your quick, compassionate care makes all the difference.
Thank you, Life EMS!
