Road closure hinders emergency situation

Thabazimbi – The roadworks at the train bridge near the Ben Alberts turn-off almost turned deadly when a patient couldn’t be transported over the bridge on Friday 10 March 2023. 

A notice was sent out to residents to confirm that the road would be closed between 11:00 and 12:00.
According to Thabazimbi Fire and Rescue (TFR) Pierre Loots, a man was waiting to cross when he had either a stroke or a heart attack. Passers-by noticed that something wasn’t right, but struggled to get the man out of his vehicle as it was locked. 

Passers-by eventually managed to get him out, and TFR arrived at the scene, but there was no ambulance in the area available to assist. Emergency services from Thabazimbi’s side were unable to access him due to the scheduled roadworks. Fortunately, Trauma Rescue managed to dispatch an ambulance from Northam and emergency responders managed to stabilise the man.

Once he was stable, he had to be carried over the bridge and was loaded into Pierre’s bakkie. Other members of TFR escorted them to hospital where the man was admitted.
Terrific teamwork saved the day. 

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