Months after returning with a silver medal from the South African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI) education challenge, the impact of Ekurhuleni’s vehicle extrication team is being felt where it matters most – on the city’s roads and at its fire stations.

The hand-picked team placed second nationally at the SAESI conference in November, ending a 25-year medal drought for the city in vehicle extrication competitions.

The achievement has since become a benchmark for preparedness and skills transfer within the Ekurhuleni emergency services.

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“This accomplishment speaks volumes about the city’s readiness. It shows that the next generation of rescue technicians is capable of operating at world standards and taking over critical rescue functions,” said the metro’s DEMS spokesperson, William Ntladi.

For Ntladi, the achievement is more than a podium finish.

“It’s about continuity, skills development and, ultimately, saving lives. The community might not see the medal, but they benefit from the readiness it represents every day.”

The national competition, held over two days, tested teams from across SA in high-pressure, real-life rescue scenarios assessed by international evaluators. Ekurhuleni competed against experienced teams and came second.

Team member Thabo Mafela said the challenge went beyond technical skills.

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“The work is something we do every day, but the environment was different. You’re working on live vehicles, real patients, multiple cars, and a crowd is watching. It takes heart, focus and trust in your team to perform under that pressure.”

The team had just two months to prepare for the competition, often training on their days off. Drawn from fire stations across the city, they focused on team cohesion, strict adherence to medical protocols and mastering rescue equipment.

According to Mafela, the experience has changed how members approach real-life accidents.

“The competition mirrors what happens on the road. The same tools, the same procedures, the same pressure. If we can perform at that level there, we can do it on the highway at 03:00,” he said.

The scenarios required the safe extrication of two patients from complex vehicle accidents, designed to reflect global best practice.

Coaches Phillip Reid, Molefi Finger and Alli Mafuna guided the team, sharing extensive experience gained from international extrication competitions.

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Beyond the medal, the lasting value lies in what the team brought back. Members have since returned to their respective stations, passing on skills, techniques and a renewed mindset to colleagues on shift.

“This silver medal opened doors. It showed that improvement is possible and that first place is the next goal.”