The City of Johannesburg is continuing its efforts to increase the number of residents with basic emergency response skills through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programme.

Fifty-seven people received certificates after completing training in first aid and basic firefighting, with ceremonies held at two churches on August 15. The training was delivered by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Community Outreach Unit and the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) Public Information, Education and Relations (PIER).

At Dosda Seventh-day Adventist Church in Weltevreden Park, 35 Scouts were among those who received certificates. A further 22 trainees were recognised at Golden Harvest SDA Church in Ferndale.

Community resilience and skill development

Xolani Fihla, the JMPD spokesperson, said the programme was developed to help residents respond to emergencies in their communities while waiting for emergency services.

The trainees learned basic first-aid procedures, including CPR, wound management, fracture immobilisation and treating shock. The course also included training related to road traffic trauma.

Firefighting instruction covered basic fire dynamics and the correct operation of fire extinguishers. Participants were also taught about household hazards and safe search-and-rescue procedures.

Immediate assistance on the scene

Fihla said community responders can assist with early triage and basic life support, as well as controlling small fires before they spread.

“They perform early triage, administer basic life support, control small fires before they spread, and maintain basic road and scene safety to ensure responding emergency vehicles have clear, unblocked access to the site,” he said.

Participants were drawn from local community networks, faith-based organisations and youth leadership groups. Fihla said the Scouts were included because the training supports their existing focus on leadership and civic responsibility.

He said feedback from the trainees had been positive, with participants reporting increased confidence in responding to medical emergencies, fires and roadside hazards.

Fihla said JMPD and EMS plan to take the CERT initiative to more communities across Johannesburg. He also encouraged residents to participate in local safety initiatives, learn basic life-saving skills and keep first-aid kits available at home and in their vehicles.