"ER", South Africa Style

I found this article interesting for two reasons:
1. The fact that the reality series is based in South Africa (excerpted below)

Forget about ‘reality’ television programmes like Survivor and The Block. If you want to see real life television, tune into SABC 3’s new reality series Trauma Call, which premieres on 8 June and explores the gritty reality of the world of emergency medical care in South Africa and the fascinating breed of individual who works within it.

The 13-part series, which has been commissioned by Vodacom and Netcare 911, handles a variety of fascinating topics including mine rescues, fire rescue, aeromedical evacuations, drownings and newborn baby transportation and surgery.

Netcare 911 Director, Kgati Malebana says that the series takes the reality concept much further by following medical emergencies right through from the accident or emergency situation and the response of the paramedics to theatre and the intensive care unit (ICU) where injuries and medical conditions are managed definitively.

“As a result of a special relationship with the emergency workers and facilities, Trauma Call camera crews were able to capture never before seen footage that ensures the unfolding of real-life drama in every episode,” says Kgati. “Cameras are taken right into the ‘belly’ of trauma medicine: the advanced life support paramedic response vehicles, the aircraft of the Netcare 911 Aeromedical Division and into the hospital emergency units and operating theatres that handle these emergencies. It makes for gripping and at the same time informative viewing.”

and 2. The involvement of the mobile phone company in the production and promotion of the show (excerpted below). I'd heard of the way that countries lacking the traditional "wired" infrastructure for comprehensive telecommunications services have embraced wireless communication.

Vodacom’s Chief Communication Officer, Mthobi Tyamzashe, points out that cell phones have revolutionised the handling of medical emergencies because of the immediate access to voice and data communication they offer from almost anywhere within SA. Emergency crews are getting to scenes faster and as a direct result are saving more lives.

“Vodacom has recognised the importance of the cell phone for South Africans in emergency situations and has made emergency services available to all contract subscribers at no charge,” says Tyamzashe. “Vodacom and Netcare 911 have formed a close alliance to deliver first world emergency services in South Africa and optimise response times to emergencies. We are also making an effort to inform the consumer of the importance of calling the correct emergency number, 082 911, to ensure a swift response.”