Honeydew CPF volunteers recently assisted with three Rocket HEMS helicopter landings at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital over two days, helping emergency services safely transfer critically ill and injured patients.

According to Honeydew CPF, the first operation took place on Saturday, July 18, after members received a request at about 21:00 to assist with a helicopter transporting a patient from Welkom following a motor vehicle accident. The aircraft landed shortly after midnight, where the patient was transferred to the hospital for further treatment before departing about 40 minutes later.

Two more helicopter operations followed on Monday, July 20. The first involved the transfer of a patient from a medical facility in Middelburg. Later that evening, Honeydew CPF patrollers, Community Emergency Response Services (CERS) volunteers and other emergency personnel established a landing zone for a Rocket HEMS helicopter transporting a patient from Life Cosmos Hospital in eMalahleni after the patient sustained serious injuries in an industrial accident.

During each operation, volunteers established and secured the landing zone, assessed potential hazards and worked alongside emergency services to ensure the helicopters could land and depart safely while patients were transferred into the hospital.

Speaking to the Roodepoort Northsider, Honeydew CPF public relations officer Michael Steyn said it is not unusual for CPF members and other trained volunteers to assist during helicopter emergency operations.

“Volunteer support is essential because there are several critical safety factors that must be managed. This includes ensuring the landing area is free of vehicles, people and loose debris that could become dangerous due to the helicopter’s powerful rotor wash. Creating a safe environment helps protect both the flight crew and everyone on the ground,” he said.

Steyn added that about 40 volunteers completed Landing Zone Safety training with Rocket HEMS over the past year. He explained that the training equips emergency medical personnel, CPF members and community responders with the knowledge and skills to establish and secure safe landing zones, manage the scene and support helicopter operations from arrival to departure.

He said Honeydew CPF volunteers have been assisting with helicopter operations since completing the training last year and that the number of call-outs has increased since Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital began offering trauma doctor services, resulting in more frequent helicopter deployments.

According to CERS, the organisation has assisted with five helicopter landing zone operations since its public launch on June 5.

CERS director Jono Martin said helicopter landings are only one aspect of the organisation’s role in supporting recognised emergency services.

“Since launching publicly in June, our volunteers have supported more than 25 operational deployments across our community, including structural fires, motor vehicle collisions, community education initiatives, infrastructure support and five Rocket HEMS helicopter landing zone operations. Each deployment reflects the same commitment: supporting recognised emergency services wherever we can safely and professionally add value,” said Martin.

Martin said trained volunteers help create a safe operating environment for flight crews, emergency medical personnel and the public, allowing medical teams to focus on treating and transferring critically ill or injured patients.

He added that emergency response relies on partnerships between emergency services, hospitals, community safety organisations and volunteers, with each organisation contributing its expertise to achieve the best possible outcome for patients.