Rising fuel prices threaten the operations of the Volunteer Emergency Medical Response Unit (VEMRU), leaving the non-profit organisation struggling to respond to calls in Pretoria.

VEMRU is asking the community for fuel donations to maintain its availability for emergency calls. As a registered non-profit company and public benefit organisation, it provides free medical and trauma emergency responses.

Founder Casper Visser said the organisation helps communities across Pretoria with medical, trauma and mental health emergencies, home visits, fire and rescue assistance, and community upliftment projects.

Visser warned that a fuel shortage means there will be no emergency response, noting every second counts and they cannot save lives without getting to the scene.

With fuel prices reaching new highs, keeping emergency vehicles on the road is becoming increasingly difficult, Visser added.

He stressed that when calls for help come for vehicle accidents or families in crisis, VEMRU wants to be present, but needs support to help those in need.

VEMRU provides free 24/7 pre-hospital medical care and trauma support without charging patients, relying entirely on donations to operate.

Visser said every rand makes a difference

Residents and businesses can help by donating towards fuel, sponsoring a full tank, becoming a monthly supporter or sharing the appeal.

He asked the community to consider supporting this life-saving cause.

Fuel shortage threatens emergency responses

VEMRU attends to about 80 emergencies a month while helping dispatch more than 30 additional cases that fall outside its operating area or occur during active scene responses.

Visser said the organisation aims to assist as many people in emergencies as possible.

“But the only way that we can keep on helping the community in our area of work and other areas as well is for the community and local businesses to support us,” Visser said.

He added that the organisation can issue Section 18A tax certificates for any donation.

Visser said the long-term vision is to expand the fleet of equipped emergency vehicles so more patients across Pretoria East can be reached faster, ensuring no emergency is left waiting.

“We want to keep our service free to anyone who needs it: rich or poor,” he added.

Community members and businesses wishing to assist VEMRU can contact Visser on 082 893 6873, 066 217 4028 or email Info@vemru24.co.za.

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