A local non-profit emergency medical service is calling on qualified practitioners to volunteer their time to help deliver lifesaving care in the West Rand and surrounding areas.

ComMed Emergency, a registered emergency medical services organisation, provides free emergency medical response services in the greater Roodepoort area, parts of Randburg and surrounding suburbs. The organisation relies on volunteers to respond to emergencies and support communities in need.

The organisation focuses on community service rather than commercial gain. Volunteers assist on emergency scenes, provide medical care, and support residents during critical situations.

To qualify for the role, ComMed director and medic Neil van der Merwe explained that volunteers must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Only practitioners qualified at Basic Life Support, Intermediate Life Support or Emergency Care Assistant level are permitted to participate in road operations. Volunteers are also required to have a valid licence and professional driving permit.

“As a registered EMS service under the Department of Health, we cannot use first aiders in road operations,” Neil said. He further explained that the organisation is dependent on the commitment of its volunteers to continue delivering emergency care to local communities.

“As a volunteer emergency medical services organisation, we are dependent on practitioners giving of their time to help deliver lifesaving emergency medical services to folks in these communities,” Neil expressed.

“The passion of our practitioners is what makes ComMed such a unique organisation, and this results in an exceptional experience for our patients and their families. All passion – non-profit,” he shared, highlighting that their strength as a non-profit organisation lies in the passion of its volunteers.

Qualified emergency care practitioners who would like to volunteer can apply via the organisation’s website at www.commed.org.za.