Celebrating International Volunteer Day: Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness thanks EMS volunteers for their extraordinary service
In recognition of International Volunteer Day, celebrated this past week, the Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, joined volunteers for a training exercise on Table Mountain ahead of the festive season. She extended her heartfelt appreciation to the province’s emergency medical services (EMS) volunteers. The invaluable contribution of these volunteers plays a crucial role in the province’s healthcare system, helping to save lives and support communities.
Expressing her gratitude at the training exercise, Minister Wenger acknowledged the extraordinary efforts of EMS volunteers, including Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), Emergency First Aid Responders (EFAR), and those who assist with day-to-day EMS operations throughout the province. Speaking to volunteers, she noted, “EMS volunteers play a vital role in our healthcare system. Whether you are racing to save lives in the remote wilderness, providing care in our communities, or answering daily calls for help, your dedication makes all the difference. You are the reason people get the care they need, when they need it most.”
WSAR is a dedicated collective of professionals and volunteers who specialise in technical rescues, medical assistance, and search operations in the Western Cape’s rugged and mountainous terrains. Their efforts are vital to ensuring the safety of outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. In 2023, WSAR contributed over 6 000 volunteer hours and responded to 248 mountain rescue incidents, with another 223 incidents already recorded in 2024 to date. These numbers highlight the dedication and tireless efforts of WSAR volunteers, who often work in challenging and hazardous conditions to save lives.
The EFAR programme, launched in 2010, addresses the need for immediate care in communities, particularly in areas where ambulance services might take longer to arrive, such as rural communities. EFAR trains community members to provide basic life-saving assistance while waiting for professional medical teams. By empowering local communities, the programme ensures faster response times and improves outcomes in medical emergencies, bridging the critical gap between an emergency and professional care.
In addition to WSAR and EFAR, many other EMS volunteers play a vital role in daily emergency operations across the province. These individuals assist with ambulance calls, triage, and patient care, ensuring professional EMS teams can respond effectively to a wide range of emergencies. Their contributions enhance the province’s overall healthcare response, particularly in areas with high demand for emergency services.
As part of the training exercise, volunteers participated in a scenario simulating a hiker trapped on the side of Devil’s Peak, requiring various forms of medical attention. The Air Mercy Services helicopter and crew, with the assistance of volunteers and staff, practiced airlifting procedures, including lifting a single individual on a stretcher as well as lifting multiple people at once.
“Our volunteers represent the very best of our shared humanity and commitment to the well-being of others. Their time, sacrifice and willingness to make a difference is truly an inspiration. I hope that communities will join me in recognising the contributions of these remarkable people, not just on International Volunteer Day, but every day. Let us honour and thank them for their efforts to help us build a healthier and more resilient Western Cape,” concluded Minister Wenger.
Media Enquiries
Robyn Thomson
Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Health and Wellness
Email: robyn.thomson@westerncape.gov.za