NATIONAL NEWS - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals are often only visible in moments of crisis, flashing lights, urgent rescues and life-saving interventions.
But behind every emergency response is a person with heart, passion and a story.
As we mark National EMS Day and World Trauma Day on 17 October, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness honours the real people behind the uniforms: our EMS heroes who serve with care and courage.
Families served by EMS also feel their impact. One grateful family recently wrote to thank the paramedics who helped their elderly mother, who has since recovered since her hospitalisation in September: “The EMS team was incredibly professional and caring. They arrived quickly, reassured us throughout, and handled everything with such skill and compassion. My family and I are truly grateful for the outstanding service they provided,” shared Wagieda Abrahams.
The Hattas family also acknowledged the risks EMS staff face daily and wished them safety and well-being in all future callouts.
“I understand the risks and challenges you face on a daily basis, and yet you continue to provide exceptional care to the community. Please know that the Hattas family is truly grateful for all that you do, and we wish for your safety and well-being in all of your future call outs.”
She added that her mother is doing much better since her hospitalisation and that the EMS team saved her mother's life.
These words of gratitude remind us that EMS professionals are not just responders, they are caregivers, protectors and neighbours.
Francis Moloenyane is one of them. A proud father and seasoned EMS practitioner, Francis has been saving lives for 14 years. His work is more than a job to him. “My kids are always so proud of what I am doing. I am here to save lives and have been doing this for 14 years. Being able to make a difference in other people’s lives, and in my own children’s lives, is what keeps me going.”
Robin Don, a young Community First Aid Responder (CFAR), shares that same drive. The CFAR programme trains community members, like Robin, to provide initial emergency medical care until help from the EMS team arrives. Her goal is to inspire others, especially her siblings and community. “I want to show people that you can make a difference… that there are people who are here to be guardian angels to others. They are here to help people and to save them.”
In the EMS contact centre, Trezinha Naidoo forms part of a team of supervisors who oversee operations. Together, they manage between 800 to 1000 emergency calls per 12-hour shift. For 15 years, she has been the calm voice on the other end of the line when people need help most.
“Our team gets to make a difference every day. People call us and while they don’t know us, or our names or backgrounds, they remember that we helped them. Being able to help people is what keeps me going. What also gives me joy is seeing my staff happy and being managed by great management.”
Trezinha reminds us that EMS staff are people first, with families who support them through long hours and high-pressure situations.
“Before I am supervisor, I am a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister and I am a friend. This support from my family is important and helps to do what I love doing.”
EMS work is physically demanding and emotionally intense, but deeply meaningful. These professionals are not just responders. They are mentors, role models and community protectors.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, says EMS teams are a vital part of the province’s healthcare system.
“Emergency Medical Services are often the first point of contact in life-threatening situations. Our incredible health heroes in EMS work tirelessly, often under immense pressure, to bring care, calm, and hope when it’s needed most. Today, and every day, we honour your bravery, compassion, and unwavering commitment to saving lives. Thank you for all that you do for the people of the Western Cape.”
Craig Wylie, Director for Emergency Medical Services in the province, echoes this sentiment: “Our paramedics are more than responders. They are caregivers, problem-solvers, and community protectors. Every call they answer is a moment where someone's life could change. EMS Day is a reminder to look beyond the sirens and uniforms, and see the people who choose to serve others, day in and day out. Thank you for all that you do, often under great pressure, to serve our communities.”
In support of life:
We invite communities across the Western Cape to show support for our EMS teams. Whether it’s a wave, a thank you, or a social media post, let’s remind our EMS staff that they matter. We also call on individuals and organisations to help keep EMS workers safe when they respond to calls. As much as they save lives, they need our support to stay safe too.
The Department thanks all who show up and speak out in support of life.
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