PVES responders attended the scene of a serious fall injury in Villieria after a patient was startled and fell down a set of concrete stairs.
The patient sustained a fractured elbow, a head injury, and was in extreme pain, making movement impossible prior to advanced pain management. Due to the unavailability of Advanced Life Support (ALS) units from both private and government EMS at the time, a PVES ECP and ILS practitioner responded to the incident.
PVES and EST advanced first aiders worked together to provide immediate patient care, including bandaging the head injury, monitoring vital signs, and keeping the patient warm using a space blanket.
Advanced pain management was initiated, including the administration of intravenous ketamine, morphine, and Perfalgan, allowing the patient to be safely immobilised, packaged onto a stretcher, and transported to the hospital for further treatment.
The PVES ECP accompanied the patient throughout transport, ensuring pain remained controlled while carefully monitoring the patient’s breathing and blood pressure.
Services On Scene:
EST – Emergency Support Team
Best Care Emergency Medical Service
ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd.
Thank you to all responders for the excellent teamwork and patient care displayed during this incident.
Falls on stairs can cause serious injuries very quickly. Adequate lighting, caution, and secure footing remain important in preventing accidents
