KNYSNA NEWS - A paramedic's bag containing medical equipment and personal belongings worth about R3 000 was recently stolen in the early morning hours from an ambulance while paramedics were attending to a patient.
The incident, which happened in Dam se Bos, is under police investigation after the paramedic opened a case of theft.
Alcohol
The paramedic said she was working a night shift at the time of the robbery. Together with her colleague, she went to attend to a patient at Magadla store.
While they were attending to the patient in the back of the ambulance, the patient became a bit aggressive as he was under the influence of alcohol.
"Then my partner told me that he would sit with the patient in the back of the ambulance while I drive," said the paramedic.
"We spent 10 minutes on the scene and then I drove to the hospital. While we were treating the patient in the back of the ambulance, there were a lot of drunk people hanging around the ambulance."
Warning light
As she reversed and got onto the tar road, the dashboard light was on, indicating that one of the doors was open.
They checked the sliding door as well as the driver's door, but the light remained on.
When the ambulance arrived at the hospital and the patient was assisted in getting down, the paramedic noticed that it was the passenger's door that was not closed properly.
She didn't think much of it, but later, she realised that her bag was missing. They drove around the area looking for someone carrying the back pack, but saw no one.
Police investigation
"I then went to the police station to open a case of theft. The contents of my bag were worth almost R3 000, as I had two very expensive medical textbooks in my bag, a power bank, chargers, cables, a government-issued oxygen regulator, reflective jacket, and some PPEs.
"We are here to selflessly serve humanity, but in return we get sworn at, assaulted, and robbed," said the upset paramedic.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies confirmed that a case was opened regarding the theft.
"It is alleged that the paramedic was at Dam se Bos on 10 May at about 02:00. On arrival at the hospital she noticed that items were missing. The matter was reported to the police for further investigation."
Anyone who can assist the police with this investigation is asked to contact the investigation officer, Sergeant Shaun Quine, on 044 302 6652.
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