Tow truck tyranny – ER24 denies claims
Service claims victim declined assistance.
After ER24 had completed its investigation into the allegation that one of its paramedics refused to assist an assault victim, Johnny Vance, the emergency service is now denying the claim.
Also read: Video: Tow trucker seriously assaulted by rival tow-truckers
This regardless of accounts by eyewitnesses and other sources. We publish their response in full:
“ER24 can confirm that two emergency personnel attended an incident at the corners of Main Reef and Springbok Roads in Maraisburg on 19 October 2017 at approximately 19:15pm.
Allegations surfaced through the media that an ER24 medic refused to render medical care to an injured patient that had been assaulted.
Also read: Tow truck tyranny: The industry’s dark underbelly
An ER24 investigation into the matter proved the facts to be different to those reported by Roodepoort Record.
At the time of the paramedics’ arrival, the patient was found walking around on scene. According to medical records completed at the time, the patient was assessed by paramedics and subsequently refused all medical treatment. The patient’s manager, [name ommitted], was present at the incident. [The manager] stated to paramedics that his own driver would be coming through to the scene to pick up the patient. Both the manager and driver’s details were captured as such on the medical records, at the time of the incident.
The patient later absconded from the scene. The two emergency personnel searched for the patient along Main Reef Road, but were unable to locate him.
Read more: Tow truck tyranny – More disturbing allegations surface
Medical records also indicate that two witnesses co-signed refusal of treatment.”
In light of the fact that Vance suffered four broken ribs, an injured spine, a fractured skull and broken jaw it seems highly unlikely that he “absconded from the scene” and “refused all medical treatment”. The question is also whether the two “witnesses” who co-signed refusal of treatment had ulterior and malicious motives.
ER24 requested the Record to retract its report about the allegations, but the publication declined.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
