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THE EMERGENCY Medical Services (EMS) in Kimberley has come under fire again after a Bloemanda family alleged that their loved one died due to a lack of emergency assistance.
Twenty-six-year-old Glenn Seekoei passed away on the night of Monday, December 9, after reportedly suffering a severe asthma attack. His uncle, Rainy Davids, recounted their desperate and unsuccessful attempts to secure help from EMS.
“I live next to my nephew’s house,” Davids explained. “That night, I was called over because Glenn was struggling to breathe. His doctor had previously warned us about the severity of his asthma. He advised us to call an ambulance immediately should he suffer an attack and not to take such a situation lightly. It was very hot that night and the heat seemed to have worsened his condition.”
Davids stated that he contacted EMS and was assured an ambulance would be dispatched. However, after a few minutes with no sign of help, a neighbour also called for assistance, only to face the same delay. Concerned about Glenn’s deteriorating condition, Davids called EMS again to emphasise the urgency.
“The person I spoke to was very relaxed. I told him it appeared my nephew was losing consciousness. The person then shouted at me, saying that I was rude, and because of my rudeness he would not dispatch an ambulance to assist us.
“I was shocked at the answer I was given – the fact that my nephew was losing consciousness did not even move to action someone who is in a profession where they are supposed to help the public.”
Shortly after ending the call, Davids discovered Glenn lying motionless.
“I called out his name, but there was no response. We checked for a pulse and listened to his heartbeat, but there was none. We realised that he had died,” he said with a heavy sigh.
Davids said he called the ambulance emergency number again and informed the person who had originally refused to assist him that Seekoei had died.
He said a few seconds later he received an SMS on his phone confirming his complaint.
He added that EMS members arrived at the house a few minutes later.
“When the EMS workers arrived, it was already too late. They checked on Glenn and confirmed that he had died. They told us to contact the undertakers so the body can be removed,” Davids said.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Davids expressed deep frustration, believing his nephew's death could have been prevented.
“It is heartbreaking when those who are in positions to assist people do not see the importance of their work. The man on the other end of the phone had the power to save Glenn’s life, but he chose not to. It is sad that a person’s life is not regarded as precious enough. Now, as a family, we are left to plan a funeral that didn’t need to happen.”
Northern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Lulu Mxekezo said the department is aware of the incident and maintains that the ambulance service responded timeously.
“The Department of Health is aware of the complaint, dated December 10, 2024, about an incident that occurred on December 9, 2024. It is reflected in the records of our system. The incident was reported at around 10.07pm and the ambulance was dispatched to the scene at 10.38pm. The ambulance was at the scene 30 minutes after the call was made, which is within the response time for this type of incident,” said Mxekezo.
“Frances Baard communities are requested to forward their complaints to the EMS district manager, A McAnda, in writing or contact him directly on 060 983 1673.
“The department investigates all complaints lodged and acts according to the outcomes of the particular investigation. Appropriate action will be implemented according to the outcome of this investigation has been finalised.
“Health personnel are expected to deal with patients in a humane and professional manner at all times,” added Mxekezo.