Thank you, Specialised Rescue

Everyone on the North Coast has either heard of or been helped by Specialised Rescue, which is why Nicky Russell decided it is time to help them.

“When I moved to the North Coast from England, it was refreshing to see that people like Quentin Power and Specialised Rescue are willing to get involved and to help their community,” said Russell.

“I admire hugely what these guys are doing and they do it voluntarily, without walking around with a begging bowl.”

For this reason, she decided to host a concert (Song Attack), in aid of Specialised Rescue on March 15 at the All Souls Anglican Church, which will act as both a fundraiser and a thank you to them from the community.

“They are always there for us, whether it is a kitten stuck in a tree or an elderly lady who locked herself in, they will help and now we can give back to them,” said Susie Ratcliffe, treasurer of Salt Rock Neighbourhood Watch.

The concert offers something for every music taste, be it jazz, musicals or classical songs and will have a few surprise artists on the stage.

“All the songs are connected to the sea or mountains and the rescuing of people or animals,” said Russell.

The concert will be from 3pm to 5pm and tickets are available at Postnet, Lifestyle Centre at a cost of R90, which includes afternoon tea.

Specialised Rescue has been going for roughly 13 years and aids in water, mountain and off road rescue, medical and general assistance and search and rescue.

“After seeing an increasing need for assistance of a more specialised nature in our area, the volunteer unit started,” said Quentin Power.

At the time, Power was a retained fireman at the Dolphin Coast municipality, trained the voluntary lifeguards at the Ballito Surf Lifesaving Club and he was a reservist at the Umhlali Police Station.

“There were constantly calls for assistance in areas that were either out of the municipal area or in grey areas and there was always a waiting period to establish exactly which area or department the problem fell under before it could be attended to, which sometimes caused considerable delays,” he said.

He explained that they had lifeguards, firemen, medics and community members from various departments who wanted to assist, not just when they were on duty or in their area, but where they were needed.

“This is when we started setting up a network in the area and surrounds, so that when there was a problem the closest person could get there first, evaluate the situation, update the relevant authorities and assist where needed while awaiting backup from the relevant department to hand over to.”

There are ten fully active members and others who are busy with evaluation and training.

The 24/7 rescue group are purely voluntary.

“Most of the funding used to buy or replace equipment comes from the unit members themselves, although we have had a few generous people who make donations and recently Pick ‘n Pay Ballito and Ballito Lifestyle Centre assisted us with uniforms and some equipment that was in need of being replaced,” he said.

Even though there are tough times, Power always enjoys the rescue work he does. “If I am able to assist anyone in any way no matter what it may be, I will. My hope is that it encourages others to do the same and give back without expecting anything in return and be the best they can be. I have noticed the positive impact I have made to some people’s lives over the years and as a unit that can be increased ten fold.”

In a crisis, the rescue number to call is 082 7893332.

If you would like to donate to Specialised Rescue, their banking details are Specialised Rescue Unit, Absa Ballito 630225, Acc 9266963685 or email Resq@netforce.co.za or Carmen@netforce.co.za. Or attend the Song Attack concert at All Souls Anglican Church (on the Sheffield turnoff after Tiffany’s) on March 15 at 3pm.