MTB Accident in the Helderberg 22 January 2022
Just before 09h00 this morning the Immediate Medical emergency operations centre (EOC) received multiple calls for a mountain bike accident in the Helderberg farms area.
One call was from Helderberg Crime Watch (HCW) who had a vehicle in the area (C4 and AM Security) and was sent to the scene while our EOC activated our advanced life support paramedics and rescue teams.
Due to the terrain and the 4x4 route to the patient, our ambulance remained at the bottom of the farm and the C4 (Charl) drove our crews and equipment to the patient with their 4x4 vehicle.
Once the crew arrived at the patient, they assessed and found he had sustained moderate to severe injuries. The patient was stabilised and hydrated by the Immediate Medical Paramedics while Metro Rescue and the Fire Department responded to the scene to provide additional resources.
Temperatures were already in the high 30’s due to the heat wave.
HCW member (Charl) and AM Security personal (T2 Officer Reinhart Strydom) assisted with various tasks to ensure a safe and smooth transport of the patient.
The additional resources were required to safely bring the patient down the mountain and through a 4x4 route to the ambulance waiting at the bottom of the route.
The patient was transported to a local hospital in a stable condition.
We would like to thank our ALS crew and EOC Dispatcher, HCW dispatcher (Cheryl) and C4 (Charl), AM Security personal (T2 Officer Reinhart Strydom), Metro Rescue, the Fire Department, the farmer and the people who called the incident in for the great work, coordination of resources and dedication to the patient.
Team work for the best interests of the patient.
Call us directly on 087 057 5900 and save time.
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Patient airlifted from ship offshore of Namibia, arrives safely in Cape Town
26/03/2021
This past week Immediate Medical assisted Lifelink ERS (Namibia) in the ground transport of a patient who originated on a ship 1000nm offshore of Namibia.
Great team work with Lifelink Ground and Air Services ensured the patient was extracted from the ship via a helicopter (200nm offshore). The patient was then transferred to a ground ambulance for transport to the aircraft waiting at the Oranjemund International Airport for air transport to Cape Town International. The patient was then transported by the Immediate Medical ambulance and crew from Cape Town International airport to a Cape Town hospital in a stable condition.
Lifelink ERS is Immediate Medicals Namibian service provider.
Multiple vehicle collision with no severe injuries
Our Immediate Medical crews attended to a motor vehicle accident last week with multiple vehicles involved, luckily no one sustained any severe injuries.
Condolences to Netcare911 HEMS
21/01/2021 - 15:40
We have just received notice that a Netcare911 HEMS helicopter has crashed in Kwazulu Natal. The full details of the incident and nature of the incident are not yet known.
All crew members are presumed deceased, including a paramedic, doctors, nurse and pilot.
Immediate Medical Management and Crew would like to extend their condolences to the entire Netcare911 team and especially the HEMS operation, colleagues, family and friends for their loss today.
From our Managing Director - Graydon Norton - “As a pilot and flight medic, hearing the news is gut wrenching and leaves an empty hole. Irrespective of the company and any politics, the people on board were still people, medics and pilots who gave their all for the patients of our country. The loss of the team will be felt by the whole EMS fraternity in South Africa and across the World.”
1ST AMBULANCE OF THE NEW FLEET
Immediate Medical is proud to announce the first ambulance in the new fleet.
For the past 6 years, we have operated Vw Transporters as ambulances and this was mainly due to the safety for the paramedics and patients. The Vw Transporter has an engine in front of the driver which absorbs impact in the event of an accident.
Our Latest vehicle (A7) is a Toyota Quantum which has been converted into an ambulance and is capable of transporting patients in an ICU state on both short and long distance cases. A7 will be operational from the 14th January 2021.
We will have full review in the near future of the interior and exterior designs and why we chose the designs.
The Interior ambulance conversion of the vehicle, which is one of a kind, has been developed from many hours of thought and discussions with crew members, to find the most efficient and safest way to treat and transport patients.
We have upgraded many items compared to a standard ambulance conversion for this vehicle and will continue to generate safer and more efficient ways of patient treatment and transportation.
We would like to thank the following companies for the assistance, development and build of the vehicle.
IMC ASSIST, Rola Toyota - Marlin, Emergency Extreme - Martin (Lighting), Emergency Vehicle Conversions - Jonty and the whole EVC team (Interior Build), SAPAESA - Oliver (Stretcher), GDL Signs (Signage) and all of our crew members and management for their constant efforts and hard work.
We are Hiring - 16 New Positions as of 08/01/2021
REF: 2101-HO
Immediate Medical is hiring BLS, ILS and ALS Paramedics for a new base and new contracts.
The following positions are available in the Western Cape of South Africa:
2 x BLS (BAA) - Helderberg - Start Date: ASAP
3 x BLS (BAA) - Overberg - Start Date: 1/03/2021
2 x ILS (ANA) - Helderberg - Start Date: ASAP
3 x ILS (ANA) - Overberg - Start Date: 1/03/2021
2 x ECT / CCA / N.Dip (ECT/ANT) - Helderberg - Start Date: ASAP
2 x ECT / CCA / N.Dip (ECT/ANT - Overberg - Start Date: 1/03/2021
2 x ECP (ECP) - Helderberg - Start Date: ASAP (min 1 year experience)
All applicants must be able to work in a team, be outgoing, able to represent the company and the EMS in a good light. Be on time, neat and take pride in the company uniform, be able to work a shift system, be dynamic and professional. Applicants also need to be able to comply with company standard operating procedures and policies. It is also required that the applicant be able to comply with company PPE protocols and procedures. Successful employees will need to cover emergency and non-emergency cases within their qualification, assist with marketing, day to day duties(checking the vehicle, cleaning the vehicle. stocking the vehicle, completing PRF’s) oversight and assistance to other employees and other tasks as given and accepted.
Helderberg positions: must have a minimum of 2 years operational experience, must have a valid Code8 / B Driving license and PrDP. No criminal record, up to date / valid HPCSA registration, up to date CPD points and reliable transport to shift. Positions are ambulance based, working a shift system.
Overberg Positions: must have a minimum of 2 years operational experience, must have a valid Code8 / B Driving license and PrDP. No criminal record, up to date / valid HPCSA registration, up to date CPD points and reliable transport to shift or the base. Positions are ambulance based, working a shift system. Employees will be allocated a SnT / travel allowance and meal allowance within their package.
All salaries will be based on qualification, years of experience in a private EMS service and additional duties.
All employees have the opportunity to work events for the company when available as an additional income, and receive commission based on membership sales
Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Should an applicant contact the company for an "update" on their application, their application will be declined.
BLS Medics with less than 2 years Operational experience with a Private EMS service should not apply.
All Interviews must be conducted before 01/02/2021.
COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING FORM TO APPLY: https://forms.gle/Y7XJmsY85xJPXC5u6
Influx of emergency calls
Immediate Medical has had a massive influx of emergency and non-emergency calls over the last few days, from patients, doctors, clients, other ambulance services and hospitals.
This influx of calls is for medical emergencies and the transfer of patients from one hospital to another.
We would like to assure our patients, clients and members, that even though you may experience a longer waiting time on your call answer, we will answer the call and assist where possible.
Our Membership clients, please remember to utilise your dedicated membership emergency line and reference your membership number, this allows for fast tracking of your emergency.
We have placed additional support vehicles on the road to assist in efficient patient verification and triage, which allows us to send out emergency ambulances to the most critical patients while ensuring other patients that we will attend to them.
We are aiming at placing 3rd dedicated day ambulance on the road in the Helderberg as soon as possible.
Membership information: www.immediatemedical.co.za/memberships - powered by IMC Assist.
Our Membership clients are our priority- become a member today.
Author - Graydon Norton - 31/12/2020
New Positions available at Immediate Medical - Start ASAP
Immediate Medical Private Ambulance Service has the following position openings at the Helderberg Branch.
2 x ILS (ANA / ECT),
2 x ALS (ANT / ECP)
Should you wish to apply, please complete the form in the link below.
Passenger dies in horrific accident in the Helderberg
On the evening of the 15th December 2020, the Immediate Medical Ambulances were dispatched to an accident outside of Sir Lowrys Village.
The patient was entrapped in the vehicle and had sustained serious injuries. the crews activated the Metro EMS Rescue vehicle and Fire Department to assist on the case as the vehicle needed to be cut open to allow access for the paramedics to the patient.
After a long and difficult extrication, and despite the best care given to the patient, he was declared dead on scene by paramedics.
The driver of the vehicle was not found on the scene.
Thanks for the team work GB Med, ER24, Metro EMS, Metro Rescue, Fire Department.
Save 0870575900 for all emergency medical needs.
Become a member of Immediate Medical and your paramedic treatment and ambulance transportation could be for free. www.immediatemedical.co.za/memberships
Image courtesy - Sir Lowry's Pass Community Group Facebook
Event Covered - Noddy @ Vergelegen
The last 2 weeks, the Immediate Medical events crews covered the Noddy Party held at Vergelegen Wine Estate
Emergency Road Closure - Lobelia Street
The Immediate Medical emergency ambulance teams are on a scene on Lobelia Street in Heldervue where a pedestrian has been knocked down.
The emergency crew will be closing the road and all traffic will be diverted along other routes.
Call 0870595900 for all your emergency medical needs - 24hours a day.
Driver hospitalised after bumper bash on N2
A drive of a motor vehicle was hospitalised after another vehicle hit them from behind.
The female driver sustained injuries in the collision which were severe enough for her to require hospitalisation.
According to bystanders the second vehicle tried to slow down but did not brake in time and collided with the vehicle in front of it.
Immediate Medical Private Ambulance Service transported 2 patients to local hospitals.
The exact cause is unknown and being investigated.
Call 0870575900 for all your medical emergencies.
Who is responsible to pay for Private Ambulance Services?
Who is responsible to pay for Private Ambulance Services?
In short, the patient or the next of kin is the person responsible to settle any account for paramedical care and ambulance transportation, irregardless if you called or not.
If a patient is on a medical aid / medical scheme, the ambulance service will either submit the claim to the scheme directly, or to the patient / next of kin / main member to settle and then claim back from the scheme.
If the patient is not on a medical scheme / aid, then the patient will be responsible to settle the amount.
A service has been delivered to the patient, and this needs to be paid for.
Gone are the days of “oh this must be for free”. Ambulances can cost from R500 000 to well into the millions. Staff, equipment and many other items also cost money. Very few private ambulance services have any government funding, and if they do it is usually for specific requirements.
When you go to the shops to buy food or water or anything else, you pay for the services there and then as the items and related services costs money to bring them to you.
Emergency case cover.
If your emergency falls within the PMB (Prescribed Minimum Benefit) list, then your scheme is obligated to cover the charges, however there may be short falls / co-payments for the patient which the scheme does not cover.
Non-Emergency cases.
Cases where a patient does not need emergency care, or the injuries or illness of the patient fall outside of the PMB list, nearly always need pre-authorisation for payment or the patient is responsible for the costs.
Examples:
Patient has a possible heart attack - this is a PMB and should be covered
Patient injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident - this is a PMB and should be covered
Patient has a headache - this will not be covered unless the headache is related to an emergency condition such as a Stroke.
Transportation from hospital to the patient home - your medical scheme will most likely not authorise this.
Transport from hospital to a rehabilitation centre - your medical scheme should cover it if it is within the PMB list
Transport from home to another home address for social reasons - your scheme will not cover this.
How long does my scheme have to settle the claim.
As per the Council of Medical Schemes (CMS), the medical scheme must settle the claim within 30 days of correct submission to the scheme. After this 30 days the patient would be liable to settle the amount.
Can any ambulance service claim from a Medical Aid?
NO, not all ambulance services can claim from your medical aid. There are stringent criteria the ambulance service must conform to:
The service must be registered with the Department of Health in their province.
The service must be registered with the Board of Healthcare Funders of South Africa (BHF)
Both the above require certain standards to be upheld, with minimum items of equipment, staffing, cleaning, oversight and others. You must be registered with the Department of Health to be able to register with the BHF
A registered service can claim from a Medical Scheme, Workman’s Compensation, Road Accident Fund and others.
No BHF registration, means no ability to claim and the patient is liable for the costs.
Ensure your preferred ambulance service, is registered with the Department of Health as a minimum before using them.
If the service is not registered with the Department of Health as a minimum, you can report this service to your provincial Department of Health, Ambulance Inspectorates.
What are the costs/charges for?
The costs or charges are for the level of care the patient received and the time used for the paramedics and ambulance. It is also for the equipment, disposables and other items used on or for the patient. (like Personal Protective Equipment - PPE)
A medical aid may short pay if the ambulance service was on scene for an extended time. This extended time may not be the ambulance service’s fault, and could be due to carrying a patient down many flights of stairs, or waiting for additional help to arrive to treat the patient appropriately. The patient would be responsible for the shortfall in payment. (this is only one example)
Co-Payments
In some instances, the medical scheme does not settle the full amount or has items which the specific scheme does not cover. In this case the patient is responsible to cover this amount. This is the same as going to see a doctor or specialist. Your medical aid may only cover a portion of your doctors care and treatment.
A co-payment can range from a few rand, to several thousand, depending on what your specific scheme sees fit to cover.
How can you avoid paying Co-Payments / Shortfalls.
There is no simple way to not pay them, ultimately the patient is responsible for the full costs of the case in full, even if the scheme pays or not.
After being assisted by an ambulance service, follow up on your account.
Find out if it will be submitted to you or to the scheme
Follow up on the account 30 days later with the ambulance service
Provide the ambulance service with your email address and correct contact details, so they can advise you if the scheme did not settle the account.
It is the patient / main members responsibility to follow up on this. Failing to settle the account could mean that you are handed over to a collection service, or even worse blacklisted on ITC for non-payment.
However having a gap cover could allow you to claim some of it back, alternatively having an ambulance membership (with your preferred and local ambulance service) could cover the shortfalls or even cover the full transportation if not covered by the scheme. visit www.immediatemedical.co.za/memberships
NB - Immediate Medical Memberships are powered by IMC Assist. www.imc-assist.co.za
If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us on email info@immediatemedical.co.za / www.immediatemedical.co.za
Drowning at Strand Beach
At around 16h10 our Immediate Medical dispatch centre received a call from GB Med requesting assistance for a multidrowning in progress at Strand Beach.
2 swimmers were recovered and transported to hospital by Immediate Medical and GB Med, while a third was flown by the Air Mercy Helicopter (AMS) to Red Cross Children’s Hospital.
A fourth person is still missing and rescue crews are continuing to search the area.
Thanks to AMS, GB Med, SAPS, Fire Department, SAPS and all other services on scene.
Save 0870575900 for all Medical Emergencies.
13 year old injured in cycling accident
A 13 year old was cycling home from school in the Helderberg Region when his bicycle hit a rock in the road. The cyclist was thrown from the bicycle and collided with the handle bars before the cyclist hit the road.
The patient was treated on scene for the sustained injuries and transported to a local hospital in a stable condition.
Thanks must go to Riaan from Helderberg Crime Watch (HCW) who activated our emergency crews, remained on the scene and began first aid treatment.
SAVE our number 087 057 5900
Become a Member - www.immediatemedical.co.za/memberships
