Medical responders ask for help to save more lives

The Volunteer Emergency Medical Response Unit (VEMRU), a registered non-profit organisation, is facing hurdles that threaten its ability to provide essential emergency services to the community.

The organisation is appealing for donations to cover the cost of repairs to its emergency response vehicles, including urgent brake pad replacements and other essential equipment repairs.

VEMRU spokesperson Casper Visser said the NPO was founded in 2019 and is committed to offering lifesaving pre-hospital care to those in need, regardless of their financial circumstances.

“Our mission is clear, to ensure that everyone has access to emergency resources, regardless of their financial background,” said Visser.

“We also provide mental health support through chaplains and trauma counsellors, who assist families after traumatic events.”

Operating solely on donations and sponsorships, VEMRU relies heavily on the generosity of the community to keep its vehicles running and provide for its critical services.

“The costs for the repairs are significant.”

He added that a mechanic is offering them a good discount on labour, but they still need help covering these expenses.

Beyond brake repairs, VEMRU is also facing other financial challenges.

The organisation needs to replace its turbocharger and purchase a new ECG/defibrillator, as the one in service is borrowed from a private ambulance service in Pretoria.

“If we can raise enough funds for the brakes, any remaining donations will go towards fuel payments and repairs to the turbocharger,” said Visser.

“Currently, our monthly fuel bill is around R10 000, and we’re also looking to invest in a new ECG monitor to continue offering the best care to our patients.”

In addition to repairs, VEMRU’s biggest challenge is expanding its operations.

While they are actively looking to put a second vehicle on the road, especially for weekends and public holidays when emergency calls are at their peak, financial constraints are limiting their ability to do so.

“We have the manpower and the expertise, but we need more resources,” Visser added.

“During peak times, the call rates are extremely high, and we struggle to respond to all the emergencies. A second vehicle would allow us to serve the community more effectively.”

Despite these challenges, VEMRU has had numerous successes in providing critical care.

Recently, they assisted the Police’s Water Wing in rescuing a 61-year-old man swept away by a river in March.

“It was a fast response, and we were able to successfully resuscitate him,” said Visser.

He added that they also had a series of successful resuscitations, including that of an infant who had nearly drowned and of a person who had suffered a heart attack in a restaurant.

Visser said the focus is on the quality of care provided rather than the quantity of calls.

“Every time we can help someone, we consider it a success,” he said.

“It’s not about how many calls we respond to but about the difference we make in each individual’s life.”

VEMRU volunteer opportunities are also somewhat limited due to Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA) regulations that allow only registered healthcare practitioners to actively participate.

However, they do offer an observer programme for those interested in seeing first-hand how emergency medical services are delivered.

“We also welcome anyone who wants to partner with us to discuss how they can contribute, whether through donations, volunteering, or other support,” Visser said.

He added that their work would not be possible without community support.

VEMRU is planning two public safety days to educate community members on how to handle everyday emergencies until professional medical help arrives.

The organisation is also organising its first golf day for the end of the year to raise funds for continued operations.

“We’re always looking for ways to expand our services and reach more people,” Visser said.

“We’ve received recognition from local police stations and community safety forums for our support and response efforts, and we’re committed to doing even more.”

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