“Saving lives is what we do,” says Shannon Charles, highly trained paramedic and one of the founding members of VEMA. “I am fortunate enough to work alongside nine other volunteers who feel as passionately as I do about making a difference in the lives of those who find themselves in need of medical assistance.”
Story: Cate Clarke
Founded in 2005, VEMA is believed to be the first totally voluntary high-quality, initial response unit of its kind in South Africa. The members respond to incidents within the Upper Highway and surrounding areas, stabilising the patients prior to the arrival of an ambulance. VEMA ensures that they are then transported to the most appropriate emergency facility, whether private or state.
This dedicated team is no group of first aiders. Each volunteer is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, for medical emergencies and critical trauma. The organisation is autonomous of all emergency services and supports the existing EMS system.
VEMA medical director Tim Hardcastle is the only full-time volunteer doctor in the team. “My work commitments as a trauma surgeon at Albert Luthuli Hospital and busy after hours with VEMA often mean less family time. To be able to use my expertise to help heal at no cost to the patient is what makes the self-sacrifice all worthwhile.”
Paramedic Warren Brauns has been a VEMA volunteer for five years. “I cannot put into words the feeling you get from giving someone hope in a time of crisis. Being part of VEMA is about giving back without expecting anything in return.”
The members use their personal vehicles and petrol to respond to calls and often go on dirt roads, especially when travelling to underprivileged communities. They pay any shortfall with regards to medical and rescue equipment, as well as Personal Protective Equipment out of pocket, or out of donor funding from the community.
The service does not discriminate on cultural, religious or racial status or ability to pay, as there is no charge to the patient.
On behalf of this loyal and dedicated volunteer group of medical rescue professionals The Crest would like to send a message of gratitude to members’ families/partners, sponsors and funding donors. Without their ongoing support, this critical human resource would cease to function.
Emergency calls only – 083 630 0000
For mountain-related incidents, contact SACAN emergency control on 083 799 1916