ER24 , our Designated Service Provider , aims to ensure every ambulance transfer is medically justified and quality pre-hospital care is provided to you in a medical emergency . These vehicles should not be used as transport to hospital for a minor condition . This could mean an ambulance being unavailable for transporting a critically ill or dying patient . If it is found that a patient could have travelled in a private vehicle ( a non-emergency ) it is unlikely your medical aid will pay for it .
What is an emergency ? An emergency medical condition is the sudden and unexpected onset of a health condition that requires immediate medical treatment and / or an operation . If the treatment is not available , the emergency could result in weakened bodily functions , serious and lasting damage to organs , limbs or other body part or even death .
As a member of Bonitas you can call ER24 on 084 124 and ask to speak to the 24-hour ‘ Ask the Nurse ’ health line if you require medical assistance and to decide whether an ambulance is necessary or not .
You will then be advised to do one of the following :
• Go to a hospital immediately ( ER24 will dispatch an ambulance if medically necessary )
• Go to the doctor
• Go to the pharmacy to obtain over-the-counter medication
Call an ambulance :
• For serious injuries such as broken bones or those sustained in motor vehicle accidents which need stabilisation and medical monitoring while you are transported to the appropriate healthcare facility
• When someone is having a seizure
• If a person has acute chest pain , especially if it radiates to their arm or jaw
• If someone is unable to breathe
• For a woman in premature labour
• When a child has ingested a poisonous substance
• In a near drowning
• For third-degree burns ( including electrical burns )
• For bleeding that won ’ t stop after trauma
• For head injuries with a loss of consciousness .
Don ’ t call an ambulance :
• Where a person is well enough to travel in a car , bus or taxi to see a doctor or go to a hospital as an outpatient for conditions such as minor cuts and sprains , abdominal pain , gastro-enteritis , period pain , constipation and headaches excluding migraine
• When the condition is not life-threatening and urgent medical attention is not necessary
• For transport home from the hospital
• For a pregnancy without complications
• When you or a dependant need to be admitted for a booked procedure .
Display your ER24 stickers proudly When you join Bonitas , you will receive specially designed ER24 car stickers . Please ensure that these are displayed on your vehicle as instructed in the letter sent with the stickers .
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 4 | 2021
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