Emergencies and first aid
If you find yourself in a crisis situation, contact our emergency numbers for assistance.
General emergency numbers
Make sure we understand your emergency
When you make the call:
- be ready with the details of the emergency;
- stay calm; and
- do not hang up until you are told to do so.
When you phone us from any landline, the emergency communication centre will be able to see:
- where you are calling from;
- what your telephone number is;
- who the subscriber is of the phone being called from; and
- which services delivery area you are in.
See our Emergency Contacts Pamphlet (Eng/Afr/Xho).
Remember
The operator will need to check all the above details, so please make sure you have all the correct details available to you. The operator will find out what your emergency is and then direct your call, along with this information, to the necessary emergency service.
Life-saving tips
If you are waiting for help to arrive, your quick thinking could still save a life.
- A basic first aid kit is essential for every home and car. It will help you easily attend to unexpected injuries fast.
- Always have a list of emergency numbers close by for serious injuries.
- Get first aid training to assist with more serious injuries at home, and to recognise incidents like choking, heart attacks and strokes.
-
DO NOT put anything on an open wound unless it has been recommended or prescribed by a registered healthcare practitioner.
Common injuries that occur at home include:
- Minor burns
- Sprains and strains
- Scrapes and cuts
- Nosebleeds
- Stings or bites from insects
See the basic tips we all should know.
Please note
Basic first aid is only intended to help with minor injuries. For more serious injuries, contact emergency services or get to your nearest emergency medical centre.
Get a first-aid certificate
Completing a first-aid course will give you the skills to help someone in those moments before the person receives professional medical treatment. Why not find out if your work offers a first-aid course for free? If not, many private organisations in Cape Town offer excellent courses.
If you choose to do a first-aid course, make sure:
Also make sure it covers the following topics in some detail:
- All the correct basics of first aid
- Emergency life support
- CPR (a lifesaving technique that keeps healthy blood flowing to the brain and organs)
- How to deal with shock, choking, bleeding, burns, broken bones and minor injuries.
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