ACSA clarifies medical emergency process following an incident at King Shaka International Airport
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has noted and wishes to clarify the social media reports regarding the medical emergency process followed during a regrettable incident that occurred on Saturday 14th September 2024 at King Shaka International Airport.
We sympathise with the family and the loved ones of the deceased traveller and express our condolences. Our stakeholders should rest assure that airport's medical emergency (ER24) responded to the incident in line with the Civil Aviation Regulations.
However, ACSA acknowledges that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) currently at KSIA are out of order. The installed AED model has been discontinued, and ACSA is in the process to procure new models.
To mitigate any possible risks, our medical response strategy has had to be revised to ensure that we are able to swiftly respond to emergencies within the airport. In this regard, ACSA has contracted ER24 to provide services for a fully equipped ambulance and paramedics team. ER24 is the primary response to stabilize and resuscitate persons in need at the airport, and transfer to nearby hospitals for further treatment. The services comprise of Basic Life Support (BLS) and Intermediate Life Support (ILS), as well as Advanced Life Support (ALS) on an ad hoc basis.
Furthermore, KSIA has an onsite clinic located at Domestic Departures level that operates from 08h00 to 16h30 during the week. In addition, the airport terminal is equipped with First Aid boxes and appointed first aiders are available throughout the facility.
Following the reported incident on Saturday 14th September 2024, the airport Emergency Medical Call Out process was responded to by all key role players. Our onsite ER24 responded taking over the scene and sadly certified the passenger deceased. SAPS secured the scene. The airport team in collaboration with the airline, worked together to ensure facilitation while being discreet about the occurrence.
For media enquiries:
Ernest Mulibana – 082 263 7372
Senior Manager: Corporate Communications
Mediadesk@airports.co.za
Issued by Airports Company South Africa
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