Keep safe and call ER24 if you need them

Going on holiday probably comes to mind when someone says they’re travelling. But we all actually travel each day to get to work or school, get groceries or see friends. In South Africa, this usually means driving. There’s a lot you can do to keep you, your family and friends safe on the roads.

ER24’s tips for keeping safe

ER24 doesn’t only respond to medical emergencies; they also know how to keep you safe on the roads. No matter how far you travel, you can help to prevent accidents and keep injuries to a minimum.

Before leaving:

• Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. Make sure your signal lights, wipers and headlights work. Also check the tyre wear and tear.
• Make sure you have a spare wheel, enough fuel, a first aid kit, cellphone, charger and hands-free kit.
• Carry a torch, warning device, fire extinguisher and reflective bib in case you break down.
• Plan your route.
• Keep a list of telephone numbers of people to contact and your medical history. That will come in handy in case of an emergency.

Don’t drive if:

• You’ve used drugs or alcohol. The rule of thumb is to have at most one unit of alcohol an hour, but it’s safer not to drink at all.
• You’re taking new medicine and feel dizzy or sleepy. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side-effects of any new medicine.

In the car:

• Wear your seatbelt. Make sure children are in the correct child seat for their age and are buckled in correctly.
• Stay alert at all times and don’t speed.
• Follow the rules of the road.
• If you are driving in direct sunshine, wear sunglasses. Glare strains the eyes and adds to fatigue.
• Don’t give in to road rage. If someone annoys you, rather keep your distance and ignore them.

If you are in an accident, stay calm. Help will soon be on the way. Call ER24 on 084 124, then try and make the scene safe, protect the scene and the injured, and provide first aid to the injured if you are able to.

Your cover for emergency services from ER24

When you call ER24, you will speak to highly qualified emergency personnel who talk with you about the situation and send an ambulance or helicopter if it’s medically necessary.

As long as you call ER24 and get authorisation, we pay for emergency medical transport from your Risk Benefit, even if you are not admitted to hospital. This means that we don’t use your day-to-day benefits to pay for the emergency transport. All you need to focus on is getting well.

Sources:

ER24: Travel safely. Accessed 20 August 2018
ER24: Quick tips on safe Easter weekend driving. Accessed 20 August 2018
ER24: Why alcohol and driving do not mix. Accessed 20 August 2018