Urgent appeal to restore life-saving fire rescue equipment
A Pretoria east volunteer emergency unit is urgently seeking public support to replace critical firefighting equipment needed to save lives during structure fires.
A vital volunteer emergency unit in Pretoria east is calling on the public to help restore a critical life-saving capability after its specialised firefighting equipment has been damaged.
The Volunteer Emergency Medical Response Unit (Vemru), has issued an urgent appeal to raise funds for a new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used in fire search-and-rescue operations.
The unit’s previous SCBA was damaged and deemed irreparable in 2024, leaving responders unable to safely enter burning structures to search for victims before fire services.
Visser said the absence of this equipment has significantly impacted the unit’s ability to assist during structure fires.
“An SCBA is a critical piece of equipment we utilise for fire search-and-rescue operations. It allows our members, if we arrive before fire services, to search for victims and provide a much more accurate report of what is happening inside,” he explained.
He added that the early moments of a fire are often the most crucial for survival.
“When we arrive at a structure fire and there are people inside, this equipment allows us to do rapid access and attempt to rescue victims before the fire department arrives.”
Vemru has now been given an opportunity to acquire a high-quality SCBA, but requires community support to do so.
The organisation, which offers Section 18A tax certificates for donations, is urging residents and businesses to contribute towards securing the equipment.
Founded in 2019, Vemru was founded by Casper Visser as a small volunteer initiative aimed at addressing delays in ambulance response times.
Visser, who was working in private emergency medical services at the time, noticed a growing number of residents unable to access timely care.
“Government ambulances were taking too long to respond, and many people could not afford private services,” he said.
What started with just two people (Casper and Tammy Visser) responding to calls in the Garsfontein policing area has since grown into a structured emergency response unit serving communities across the east of Pretoria.
Today, Vemru includes three directors, four permanent staff members and eight active volunteers, with services extending beyond medical response to include rescue operations and mental health support.
Despite its growth, the organisation remains heavily reliant on community support to maintain and expand its services.
“We are asking the community to help us help you,” he said.
Residents wishing to contribute towards the purchase of the SCBA can contact Vemru directly on 082 893 6873.
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