George Labuschagne of EMER-G-MED treating the patient in the ambulance
At around 8pm on Friday night, October 5, 2012 EMER-G-MED paramedics received a call that a taxi had rolled on the M1 South near the Marlboro off-ramp, they arrived on scene to find the driver of the taxi and only occupant in a critical condition.
The driver believed to be in his forties, had been ejected from the taxi and was found lying on the side of the road, he had a decreased level of consciousness and wasn’t responding well. EMER-G-MED paramedics and other emergency personnel, including the Sandton Fire department, were on scene, they started treating the patient immediately.
“He had sustained a major head injury, possible C Spine (back and neck) injuries, blunt trauma to the chest and a fractured femur “, said George Labuschagne of EMER-G-MED.
They supplied oxygen and ventilated him, Wayne Grindell of EMER-G-MED administered RSI medication to sedate and paralyse the patient so they could intubate him to take over his respiratory drive.
The patient was placed on a spine board and transported by ambulance to the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in a critical condition. He was handed over to doctors in resus for further treatment required.
It is alleged that the taxi was hit by a truck from behind, causing the taxi driver to lose control of the vehicle, he was ejected as a result of not wearing his seatbelt.
“Always wear your seatbelt – it does save lives”, added George Labuschagne.