The festive season is often associated with joy, travel and celebration, but for healthcare workers, it’s a time of intense pressure.
Hospitals and emergency services brace themselves for a seasonal spike in trauma cases, with incidents ranging from road accidents to injuries from reckless behaviour.
At the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness shared their plans to handle the anticipated holiday surge.
Officials emphasized readiness but also appealed to the public to act responsibly to reduce preventable incidents.
Last year, over 120,000 people visited state hospitals in the province during the festive season.
Of these, more than 30,000 cases were trauma-related, including gun violence, car crashes, and sexual assaults, said Dr Saadiq Kariem, Chief of Operations for Health and Wellness.
According to Craig Wylie, Provincial Director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Western Cape has implemented measures to manage this surge effectively.
The province has 53 EMS centres, 254 ambulances and over 1,600 EMS staff.
Last year, these teams responded to more than 60,000 emergency calls during the festive season.
Motorcycle Response Units: To improve response times in populated areas, the department has introduced motorcycles equipped with first-aid kits, oxygen, defibrillators, and fluids for resuscitation.
Healthcare facilities across the province are fully prepared to handle the influx of trauma cases but officials stress the importance of using these services responsibly.
“The festive season brings a sharp increase in trauma cases, placing a heavy burden on our emergency centres. Our healthcare facilities are fully prepared, but we urge the public to help us by using these services responsibly,” said Kariem.
Simple steps to stay safe this holiday
While the province’s healthcare system is ready, prevention is always better than cure. Here are actionable tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during the festive season:
Road safety first
Plan ahead: Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, and map out your journey, leaving early to avoid rushing.
Avoid distractions: Don’t use your phone while driving, and make sure kids are securely fastened in car seats.
Don’t drink and drive: Designate a sober driver or use ride-sharing services.
Stick to speed limits: Speeding is a leading cause of fatal accidents.
Stay safe around water
Supervise children: Never leave kids unattended near pools, rivers, or the ocean.
Wear life jackets: Especially for young swimmers or when engaging in water sports.
Avoid alcohol: Drinking while swimming can impair your ability to assess risks.
Be cautious with outdoor activities
Plan your hikes: Inform someone of your route, bring enough water and carry emergency numbers.
Avoid solo adventures: Always go with a group, especially in remote areas.
Check the weather: Sudden changes in conditions can lead to accidents.
Drink responsibly
Set limits for yourself and others, and provide non-alcoholic options at gatherings.
Monitor friends and family for signs of overindulgence, especially if they plan to drive.
Keep your home safe for children
Secure dangerous items like cleaning products, sharp objects, and medication.
Supervise children around candles, electrical decorations, and cooking equipment.
Emergency numbers to save
Emergencies can happen despite our best efforts. Having the right numbers on hand can save precious time:
- Police Flying Squad: 10111
- Ambulance Services: 10177
- Cell Phone Emergency: 112
- City of Cape Town General Emergency: 107 (from a landline) or 021 480 7700
- Disaster Risk Management Centre: 080 911 4357
- Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape: 0861 555 777
- Childline: 116
- Lifeline: 021 461 1113
- Wilderness Search and Rescue: 021 937 0300
Mireille Wenger, Health and Wellness MEC, expressed her satisfaction with the province’s preparations but reminded the public to take responsibility for their actions.
“We would like everyone to have a safe and happy festive season. In order to do that, we have responsibilities. If you are driving, be safe on the road. If you have children, take care, especially around bodies of water.
“If you go on the mountain, make sure you know your route and tell people where you are going, and have emergency numbers on your phone,” she commented.
The festive season is a time for joy and celebration but it’s also a time to exercise caution.