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Paramedics reprimanded after participating in viral video challenge on the job

A video shows two Johannesburg, South Africa, paramedics pretending to faint while on the road in an ambulance as part of a popular video challenge

By EMS1 Staff

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Two paramedics were issued a warning following a disciplinary hearing after a video surfaced of the two participating in the #IdibalaChallenge while on duty.

Briefly reported that two Johannesburg EMS paramedics are seen on video participating in the challenge, popularized by South African music star King Monada’s song, “Malwedhe,” during which the participants pretend to faint.

Neither paramedic was wearing a seatbelt.

Simon Zwane, a spokesperson for the Roads Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) released a statement regarding the paramedics’ actions.

“Emergency medical personnel routinely respond to road crashes and should, therefore, understand the danger of distracted driving and failure to use safety belts,” Zwane said.

Dozens of videos with drivers referencing the #IdibalaChallenge have surfaced, despite the RTMC previously asking King Monada to be part of a road safety campaign to discourage drivers from filming on the road.