From rescuing fishermen clinging to an overturned boat in stormy seas, transferring a critically ill baby from a regional hospital to a specialised children’s ward or flying health specialists into isolated areas, the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service is..........Changing Lives! Saving Lives!

Where is the AMS located?
Answer
The AMS has bases at Cape Town International Airport, Kimberley Airport, Oudtshoorn Airport, Richard's Bay Airport and Durban International Airport.

Who do I call to access your services?
Answer
Air Ambulance-related requests: 0861 267 267
Rural health outreach: Base Manager, Durban Base: (031) 408-1212
Base Manager, Kimberley Base: (053) 851/1136
Mountain Rescue ( Western Cape only): (021) 948-9900 or 10111
Water/surf Rescue ( Western Cape only): (021) 449-3500 or 10111.

Is AMS a registered charity?
Answer
Yes, the AMS is a non-profit organisation ( 017-180 NPO) with Section 18 A status.

Where is the AMS located?
Answer
The AMS has bases at Cape Town International Airport, Kimberley Hospital Complex and Durban International Airport. See our Contacts Page.

What is the link between AMS and the SA Red Cross Society?
Answer
The SA Red Cross Society established the AMS in 1966. Actitivites are conducted in accordance with the principles and objectives of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Who runs the AMS now?
Answer
The AMS was formed into a trust in 1994, and is managed by a board of trustees and an executive committee.

What are the core focus areas of the AMS?
Answer
The AMS provides an air ambulance network, rural health outreach and emergency rescue service to metropolitan areas and remote rural communities.

Who benefits from this service?
Answer
Services are directed primarily at the disadvantaged communities in isolated communities, whom previously had little or no access to basic health care services. We also render a service to private paying or insured persons.

Is air transport cost-effective?
Answer
There is a general, erroneous perception that costs involved with aero-medical services are prohibitive and cost more than road transport. On the contrary, it is accepted worldwide that appropriate air transfer is more cost effective than road transport. We are also able to keep our services affordable via the dedication and commitment of staff and a huge volunteer network of like-minded people.

How is the AMS funded?
Answer
Services are provided without desire for financial gain, although operational costs are covered, where possible, by the relevant health departments, medical aid societies and other medical and associated organisations that utilise the service.

Financial and "gift in kind" donations from corporates and the community have become crucial in maintaining medical and aviation equipment, establishing new services and expanding existing operations.

How do I make a donation?
Answer
There are various ways of giving, ranging from a monthly to once-off donation. Click here to donate.

What benefits are there for making a donation?
Answer
-- Section 18 A Status

South African donors to the AMS will receive a Section 18 A tax certificate enabling them to claim a deduction from personal or corporate taxable income. Donor deductibility applies to cash donations and donations in kind - such as goods and services. When you submit the receipt with your annual income tax return, you can get up to a maximum deduction of 5% of your annual taxable income or R1000 (whichever is greater). Nothing prevents a taxpayer from donating amounts in excess of the amount stated, but they will not get a tax break for the amount unless it is the greater of 5 percent of taxable income or R1000.

-- Publicity

In the case of substantial donations, we will arrange a hand over to publicise your donation to local press and acknowledge your donation via our AMS annual report, a link on our website and in our quarterly newsletter, which is distributed across South Africa

How many staff members does AMS have?
Answer
We currently have 28 staff members and a team of highly professional medical, nursing and paramedical volunteers and commercially rated pilots.

Are all the operational crew paramedics?
Answer
No, our pilots fly the aircraft, and the primary and secondary crew (who consist of paramedics, doctors and nursing staff) concentrate on patient care.

How do I join the AMS as a volunteer?
Answer
As the AMS operates a specialised service, there are stringent criteria for medical, rescue and outreach crew. Click here for more info.

Who do I call to access your services?
Answer
Air Ambulance-related requests: 0861 267 267
Rural health outreach: Base Manager, Durban Base: (031) 450-2141
Base Manager, Kimberley Base: (053) 832-9420
Mountain Rescue ( Western Cape only): (021) 948-9900 or 10111.
Water/surf Rescue ( Western Cape only): (021) 449-3500 or 10111.