Free emergency service calls for community support
Every minute matters when someone's life is on the line. Read more to find out how you can help.
ComMed Emergency Response, a non-profit organisation that provides free emergency services to people, has become a lifeline when help was needed most for many families in the community.
Founded in 2020 by a group of friends who wanted to support people during the Covid-19 pandemic, ComMed has grown into an important emergency response service that provides life-saving care to those in need.
“We started ComMed because we realised that many people were struggling to access oxygen and medical care during the pandemic,” says Neil van der Merwe, who is a director and medic at ComMed. “We wanted to make a difference and provide emergency care to those who need it most.”
ComMed’s team of dedicated volunteers responds to all types of emergencies, including trauma, medical incidents, and cardiac emergencies. They operate across the broader Roodepoort and Randburg regions, covering many informal settlements and providing care to those who cannot afford medical aid.
“We see many people who are struggling to access medical care because they cannot afford it. That’s why we’re committed to providing quality emergency care to everyone, regardless of their social status, language, or location,” Neil expresses.
According to Neil, running a service like ComMed requires time, money, and resources. Despite these challenges, ComMed is fortunate to have amazing sponsors who support their mission and goals.
“Our sponsors are the real heroes. They enable us to deliver the services we do and make a difference in the lives of our patients,” Neil explains.
“One of our vehicles was recently written off in an accident while responding to an emergency. It was a sponsored vehicle, and our sponsor [Community Support Services] stepped in to procure a new bakkie to replace the damaged vehicle, thereby getting us back on the road and with a significant upgrade. The second example relates to the team from Hot Cares who interviewed us and, together with one of their sponsors [Ecomed Medical], presented us with a new ECG monitor, a very expensive piece of equipment that is core to our patient treatment.
“This monitor now gets used on almost every incident and supports us in delivering a high standard of care to our patients,” says Neil, highlighting recent support they got from some of their sponsors. He further added that these donations have made a significant impact on their ability to provide quality emergency care, and they are grateful for the support of their sponsors and the community.
Even with the support from sponsors and the public, ComMed is currently seeking committed sponsorships to help plan and budget more effectively.
“Twenty companies committing R2 000 a month can make a significant difference in our operational costs. It’s not about the amount but about becoming part of our journey and helping us bring about change in our communities,” Neil shares.
If you’re interested in supporting ComMed or learning more about their services, visit their website https://commed.org.za or contact Neil at 082 885 4464.
