We were privileged to visit Eyethu Educare Centre at the Delft Community Library on Mandela Day. We devoted our 67 minutes making soup and distributing it to these precious little ones! We paid a visit to Delft Police Station to thank them for keeping our community safe!
May the wise words of the late Nelson Mandela echo in our hearts forever. “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead”. Nelson Mandela
Latest News
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Gift of the Givers donates lifesaving medical equipment to AMS
Gift of the Givers Foundation donated CSIR Lung Inspiratory Flow Enabler (L.I.F.E.) devices to the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS). These lifesaving medical devices are able to support patients in respiratory distress and add to the patient life support options currently available on the AMS rotor and fixed wing air ambulance platforms. The devices are used to generate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to support the airways of spontaneously breathing patients, throughout the breathing cycle.
The AMS has started with evaluation for optimal use and commenced flight paramedic training on the device. “The AMS is grateful to Brimstone Investment Corporation Limited for facilitating the donation to our organisation to ensure that our patients receive the necessary care required to transport them to definitive care,” said Dr. Philip Erasmus AMS CEO. Both the AMS and Gift of the Givers are beneficiaries of Brimstone Empowerment Share Trust (BEST) which aims to create a more sustainable model of support to organisations by awarding them with Brimstone shares
“These CPAP machines, a product of South African technology, have captured the imagination of doctors, nurses, paramedics and ambulance personnel nationwide. Simple to use, not requiring electricity they can deliver oxygen at low flow or intermediate flow and the positive pressure quite often achieves adequate saturation at low flow thereby conserving oxygen. The overriding comment we receiving is this machine is saving lives," Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Chairman and Founder of Gift of the Givers.
“It is only through partnerships such as these that we are able to make a difference in the quality of life of our citizens. Thank you for your support and commitment to assist our organisation facilitate access to healthcare to those rendered most vulnerable.” concluded Dr. Philip Erasmus.
About Gift of the Givers
The Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster response, non-governmental organisation of African origin on the African continent. It works to unite people, with a common vision, to make a real and telling difference by serving mankind for the ‘Greater Good’.
Assistance is provided unconditionally; assisting the needy, irrespective of human or animal, race, religion, colour, class, political affiliation of geographic location. Since its inception in 1992, the organisation has been responsible for the delivery of life-saving goods and on-the-ground support for innumerable people, collectively valued at some R3.2 billion, in more than 43 countries across the globe, including South Africa. Gift of the Givers restores the hope and dignity of the most vulnerable in their time of need, rebuilding prosperous communities and empowering leaders of tomorrow.
Gift of the Givers donates lifesaving medical equipment to AMS
Gift of the Givers Foundation donated CSIR Lung Inspiratory Flow Enabler (L.I.F.E.) devices to the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS). These lifesaving medical devices are able to support patients in respiratory distress and add to the patient life support options currently available on the AMS rotor and fixed wing air ambulance platforms. The devices are used to generate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to support the airways of spontaneously breathing patients, throughout the breathing cycle.
The AMS has started with evaluation for optimal use and commenced flight paramedic training on the device. “The AMS is grateful to Brimstone Investment Corporation Limited for facilitating the donation to our organisation to ensure that our patients receive the necessary care required to transport them to definitive care,” said Dr. Philip Erasmus AMS CEO. Both the AMS and Gift of the Givers are beneficiaries of Brimstone Empowerment Share Trust (BEST) which aims to create a more sustainable model of support to organisations by awarding them with Brimstone shares
“These CPAP machines, a product of South African technology, have captured the imagination of doctors, nurses, paramedics and ambulance personnel nationwide. Simple to use, not requiring electricity they can deliver oxygen at low flow or intermediate flow and the positive pressure quite often achieves adequate saturation at low flow thereby conserving oxygen. The overriding comment we receiving is this machine is saving lives," Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Chairman and Founder of Gift of the Givers.
“It is only through partnerships such as these that we are able to make a difference in the quality of life of our citizens. Thank you for your support and commitment to assist our organisation facilitate access to healthcare to those rendered most vulnerable.” concluded Dr. Philip Erasmus.
About Gift of the Givers
The Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster response, non-governmental organisation of African origin on the African continent. It works to unite people, with a common vision, to make a real and telling difference by serving mankind for the ‘Greater Good’.
Assistance is provided unconditionally; assisting the needy, irrespective of human or animal, race, religion, colour, class, political affiliation of geographic location. Since its inception in 1992, the organisation has been responsible for the delivery of life-saving goods and on-the-ground support for innumerable people, collectively valued at some R3.2 billion, in more than 43 countries across the globe, including South Africa. Gift of the Givers restores the hope and dignity of the most vulnerable in their time of need, rebuilding prosperous communities and empowering leaders of tomorrow.
Gift of the Givers donates lifesaving medical equipment to AMS
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Gift of the Givers donates lifesaving medical equipment to AMS
Gift of the Givers Foundation donated CSIR Lung Inspiratory Flow Enabler (L.I.F.E.) devices to the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS). These lifesaving medical devices are able to support patients in respiratory distress and add to the patient life support options currently available on the AMS rotor and fixed wing air ambulance platforms. The devices are used to generate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to support the airways of spontaneously breathing patients, throughout the breathing cycle.
The AMS has started with evaluation for optimal use and commenced flight paramedic training on the device. “The AMS is grateful to Brimstone Investment Corporation Limited for facilitating the donation to our organisation to ensure that our patients receive the necessary care required to transport them to definitive care,” said Dr. Philip Erasmus AMS CEO. Both the AMS and Gift of the Givers are beneficiaries of Brimstone Empowerment Share Trust (BEST) which aims to create a more sustainable model of support to organisations by awarding them with Brimstone shares
“These CPAP machines, a product of South African technology, have captured the imagination of doctors, nurses, paramedics and ambulance personnel nationwide. Simple to use, not requiring electricity they can deliver oxygen at low flow or intermediate flow and the positive pressure quite often achieves adequate saturation at low flow thereby conserving oxygen. The overriding comment we receiving is this machine is saving lives," Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Chairman and Founder of Gift of the Givers.
“It is only through partnerships such as these that we are able to make a difference in the quality of life of our citizens. Thank you for your support and commitment to assist our organisation facilitate access to healthcare to those rendered most vulnerable.” concluded Dr. Philip Erasmus.
About Gift of the Givers
The Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster response, non-governmental organisation of African origin on the African continent. It works to unite people, with a common vision, to make a real and telling difference by serving mankind for the ‘Greater Good’.
Assistance is provided unconditionally; assisting the needy, irrespective of human or animal, race, religion, colour, class, political affiliation of geographic location. Since its inception in 1992, the organisation has been responsible for the delivery of life-saving goods and on-the-ground support for innumerable people, collectively valued at some R3.2 billion, in more than 43 countries across the globe, including South Africa. Gift of the Givers restores the hope and dignity of the most vulnerable in their time of need, rebuilding prosperous communities and empowering leaders of tomorrow.
Gift of the Givers donates lifesaving medical equipment to AMS
Gift of the Givers Foundation donated CSIR Lung Inspiratory Flow Enabler (L.I.F.E.) devices to the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS). These lifesaving medical devices are able to support patients in respiratory distress and add to the patient life support options currently available on the AMS rotor and fixed wing air ambulance platforms. The devices are used to generate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to support the airways of spontaneously breathing patients, throughout the breathing cycle.
The AMS has started with evaluation for optimal use and commenced flight paramedic training on the device. “The AMS is grateful to Brimstone Investment Corporation Limited for facilitating the donation to our organisation to ensure that our patients receive the necessary care required to transport them to definitive care,” said Dr. Philip Erasmus AMS CEO. Both the AMS and Gift of the Givers are beneficiaries of Brimstone Empowerment Share Trust (BEST) which aims to create a more sustainable model of support to organisations by awarding them with Brimstone shares
“These CPAP machines, a product of South African technology, have captured the imagination of doctors, nurses, paramedics and ambulance personnel nationwide. Simple to use, not requiring electricity they can deliver oxygen at low flow or intermediate flow and the positive pressure quite often achieves adequate saturation at low flow thereby conserving oxygen. The overriding comment we receiving is this machine is saving lives," Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Chairman and Founder of Gift of the Givers.
“It is only through partnerships such as these that we are able to make a difference in the quality of life of our citizens. Thank you for your support and commitment to assist our organisation facilitate access to healthcare to those rendered most vulnerable.” concluded Dr. Philip Erasmus.
About Gift of the Givers
The Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster response, non-governmental organisation of African origin on the African continent. It works to unite people, with a common vision, to make a real and telling difference by serving mankind for the ‘Greater Good’.
Assistance is provided unconditionally; assisting the needy, irrespective of human or animal, race, religion, colour, class, political affiliation of geographic location. Since its inception in 1992, the organisation has been responsible for the delivery of life-saving goods and on-the-ground support for innumerable people, collectively valued at some R3.2 billion, in more than 43 countries across the globe, including South Africa. Gift of the Givers restores the hope and dignity of the most vulnerable in their time of need, rebuilding prosperous communities and empowering leaders of tomorrow.
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AMS Awarded interim 3 month aero-medical contract rendered to the Eastern Cape Department of Health
The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) was awarded an interim three-month Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) contract by the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health for three bases; one of which is also a rescue platform. The AMS will be operational from bases in East London, Port Elizabeth and Mthatha. “We have mobilised our maintenance department and conducted flight crew training to ensure that services rendered to the Province meets our high quality standard and adheres to all regulatory framework” said Dr. Philip Erasmus Chief Executive Officer of the AMS. The AMS is operating Leonardo 119Ke single engine helicopters with custom designed intensive care medical interiors. The aircraft has the capacity for two pilots, three crew members and one stretcher. “The AMS is currently operational from East London and Port Elizabeth and will be operational from Mthatha during the first week of 2021” Dr. Erasmus added.
The AMS has been operational for more than 50 years rendering services in support of the National Health System to various Provincial Departments of Health. These services include air ambulance, rescue and health outreach support to the most vulnerable communities to ensure that healthcare is facilitated to reach all corners of the country. The organisation is licensed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to provide air ambulance and charter operations. Services are provided via a fleet of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
“The AMS is committed to facilitate access to healthcare to those rendered most vulnerable and together with the Department of Health help manage the Covide-19 outbreak and continue to make a difference in the quality of life of all. The Provincial Department of Health will also have access to our development programmes, which include amongst others, training of external load operators and accessibility to our confined space training on our Ehambayo medical simulators that will facilitate learning and skills development in the aero-medical and emergency medical service environment.” Dr Philip Erasmus concluded.
AMS Awarded interim 3 month aero-medical contract rendered to the Eastern Cape Department of Health
The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) was awarded an interim three-month Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) contract by the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health for three bases; one of which is also a rescue platform. The AMS will be operational from bases in East London, Port Elizabeth and Mthatha. “We have mobilised our maintenance department and conducted flight crew training to ensure that services rendered to the Province meets our high quality standard and adheres to all regulatory framework” said Dr. Philip Erasmus Chief Executive Officer of the AMS. The AMS is operating Leonardo 119Ke single engine helicopters with custom designed intensive care medical interiors. The aircraft has the capacity for two pilots, three crew members and one stretcher. “The AMS is currently operational from East London and Port Elizabeth and will be operational from Mthatha during the first week of 2021” Dr. Erasmus added.
The AMS has been operational for more than 50 years rendering services in support of the National Health System to various Provincial Departments of Health. These services include air ambulance, rescue and health outreach support to the most vulnerable communities to ensure that healthcare is facilitated to reach all corners of the country. The organisation is licensed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to provide air ambulance and charter operations. Services are provided via a fleet of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
“The AMS is committed to facilitate access to healthcare to those rendered most vulnerable and together with the Department of Health help manage the Covide-19 outbreak and continue to make a difference in the quality of life of all. The Provincial Department of Health will also have access to our development programmes, which include amongst others, training of external load operators and accessibility to our confined space training on our Ehambayo medical simulators that will facilitate learning and skills development in the aero-medical and emergency medical service environment.” Dr Philip Erasmus concluded.
AMS Awarded interim 3 month aero-medical contract rendered to the Eastern Cape Department of Health
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AMS Awarded interim 3 month aero-medical contract rendered to the Eastern Cape Department of Health
The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) was awarded an interim three-month Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) contract by the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health for three bases; one of which is also a rescue platform. The AMS will be operational from bases in East London, Port Elizabeth and Mthatha. “We have mobilised our maintenance department and conducted flight crew training to ensure that services rendered to the Province meets our high quality standard and adheres to all regulatory framework” said Dr. Philip Erasmus Chief Executive Officer of the AMS. The AMS is operating Leonardo 119Ke single engine helicopters with custom designed intensive care medical interiors. The aircraft has the capacity for two pilots, three crew members and one stretcher. “The AMS is currently operational from East London and Port Elizabeth and will be operational from Mthatha during the first week of 2021” Dr. Erasmus added.
The AMS has been operational for more than 50 years rendering services in support of the National Health System to various Provincial Departments of Health. These services include air ambulance, rescue and health outreach support to the most vulnerable communities to ensure that healthcare is facilitated to reach all corners of the country. The organisation is licensed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to provide air ambulance and charter operations. Services are provided via a fleet of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
“The AMS is committed to facilitate access to healthcare to those rendered most vulnerable and together with the Department of Health help manage the Covide-19 outbreak and continue to make a difference in the quality of life of all. The Provincial Department of Health will also have access to our development programmes, which include amongst others, training of external load operators and accessibility to our confined space training on our Ehambayo medical simulators that will facilitate learning and skills development in the aero-medical and emergency medical service environment.” Dr Philip Erasmus concluded.
AMS Awarded interim 3 month aero-medical contract rendered to the Eastern Cape Department of Health
The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) was awarded an interim three-month Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) contract by the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health for three bases; one of which is also a rescue platform. The AMS will be operational from bases in East London, Port Elizabeth and Mthatha. “We have mobilised our maintenance department and conducted flight crew training to ensure that services rendered to the Province meets our high quality standard and adheres to all regulatory framework” said Dr. Philip Erasmus Chief Executive Officer of the AMS. The AMS is operating Leonardo 119Ke single engine helicopters with custom designed intensive care medical interiors. The aircraft has the capacity for two pilots, three crew members and one stretcher. “The AMS is currently operational from East London and Port Elizabeth and will be operational from Mthatha during the first week of 2021” Dr. Erasmus added.
The AMS has been operational for more than 50 years rendering services in support of the National Health System to various Provincial Departments of Health. These services include air ambulance, rescue and health outreach support to the most vulnerable communities to ensure that healthcare is facilitated to reach all corners of the country. The organisation is licensed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to provide air ambulance and charter operations. Services are provided via a fleet of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
“The AMS is committed to facilitate access to healthcare to those rendered most vulnerable and together with the Department of Health help manage the Covide-19 outbreak and continue to make a difference in the quality of life of all. The Provincial Department of Health will also have access to our development programmes, which include amongst others, training of external load operators and accessibility to our confined space training on our Ehambayo medical simulators that will facilitate learning and skills development in the aero-medical and emergency medical service environment.” Dr Philip Erasmus concluded.
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Your safety is our priority
As a responsible aero-medical operator, the AMS has increased the infection risk control measures during the Covid-19 pandemic; with the installation of a cabin / cockpit barrier screen on our Leonardo Helicopters (LH) AW119MkII; the issue of personal N95 respirators to our frontline crews; the modification of procedures and practices (especially for aerosol generating procedures) and the necessary associated training for all staff.
The barrier is an important engineering control to reduce the risk exposure of our flight crew, by protecting them from prolonged exposure during patient transit, to the expired air within the cabin. The barrier is sourced and fitted locally, based on LH supplied materials list, manufacture procedures and fitment instructions. The current and ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges of infection prevention and control in our communities, but also within the relative close-confines of aero-medical transport. The AMS has already flown a number of suspected and confirmed Covid-19 positive patients as the trend of aero-medical transport of highly infectious patients is on the increase. We urge everyone to protect themselves and others by continuing to maintain social distancing, washing hands and wearing of masks.
Your safety is our priority
As a responsible aero-medical operator, the AMS has increased the infection risk control measures during the Covid-19 pandemic; with the installation of a cabin / cockpit barrier screen on our Leonardo Helicopters (LH) AW119MkII; the issue of personal N95 respirators to our frontline crews; the modification of procedures and practices (especially for aerosol generating procedures) and the necessary associated training for all staff.
The barrier is an important engineering control to reduce the risk exposure of our flight crew, by protecting them from prolonged exposure during patient transit, to the expired air within the cabin. The barrier is sourced and fitted locally, based on LH supplied materials list, manufacture procedures and fitment instructions. The current and ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges of infection prevention and control in our communities, but also within the relative close-confines of aero-medical transport. The AMS has already flown a number of suspected and confirmed Covid-19 positive patients as the trend of aero-medical transport of highly infectious patients is on the increase. We urge everyone to protect themselves and others by continuing to maintain social distancing, washing hands and wearing of masks.
Your safety is our priority
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Your safety is our priority
As a responsible aero-medical operator, the AMS has increased the infection risk control measures during the Covid-19 pandemic; with the installation of a cabin / cockpit barrier screen on our Leonardo Helicopters (LH) AW119MkII; the issue of personal N95 respirators to our frontline crews; the modification of procedures and practices (especially for aerosol generating procedures) and the necessary associated training for all staff.
The barrier is an important engineering control to reduce the risk exposure of our flight crew, by protecting them from prolonged exposure during patient transit, to the expired air within the cabin. The barrier is sourced and fitted locally, based on LH supplied materials list, manufacture procedures and fitment instructions. The current and ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges of infection prevention and control in our communities, but also within the relative close-confines of aero-medical transport. The AMS has already flown a number of suspected and confirmed Covid-19 positive patients as the trend of aero-medical transport of highly infectious patients is on the increase. We urge everyone to protect themselves and others by continuing to maintain social distancing, washing hands and wearing of masks.
Your safety is our priority
As a responsible aero-medical operator, the AMS has increased the infection risk control measures during the Covid-19 pandemic; with the installation of a cabin / cockpit barrier screen on our Leonardo Helicopters (LH) AW119MkII; the issue of personal N95 respirators to our frontline crews; the modification of procedures and practices (especially for aerosol generating procedures) and the necessary associated training for all staff.
The barrier is an important engineering control to reduce the risk exposure of our flight crew, by protecting them from prolonged exposure during patient transit, to the expired air within the cabin. The barrier is sourced and fitted locally, based on LH supplied materials list, manufacture procedures and fitment instructions. The current and ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the challenges of infection prevention and control in our communities, but also within the relative close-confines of aero-medical transport. The AMS has already flown a number of suspected and confirmed Covid-19 positive patients as the trend of aero-medical transport of highly infectious patients is on the increase. We urge everyone to protect themselves and others by continuing to maintain social distancing, washing hands and wearing of masks.
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Outboard motor handover in preparation for the high season
[15 November 2020] Today the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) handed over an outboard motor to Lifesaving South Africa Cape Town at the Air Sea Rescue (ASR) exercise which took place at Strandfontein beach. The outboard motor will be used on one of their Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRB). Mr. Mzi Mayedwa, Head of the LSA Drowning Prevention Committee thanked the AMS for the donation and stated that “the incidences of drownings in South Africa is a major concern due to the long coastline and the inland water areas that present a problem to lifesaving and the authorities. The motor will be shared amongst the 18 clubs that operate in the Cape Town area so that the optimum use of the boat and motor can be attained in Lifesaving South Africa’s efforts to control and reduce drowning incidents.”
The AMS provides air-sea and air-mountain rescue services by helicopter with more than two decades of rescue experience working with Department of Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) and its many affiliates including Surf-Life Saving South Africa and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). Our stringent training programmes for hoist operators are focused around safety and efficiency and have been developed taking the international and local (military) best practices into account.
“With the upcoming high season we encourage everyone using the beaches and recreational facilities to do so responsibly. We trust that our donation will assist Lifesaving South Africa to continue with their mandate to not only contain and reduce drownings amongst the residents and visitors who make use of waterways for recreation, but also in support of their training programs and community development work that they are involved with said Dr. Philip Erasmus, CEO of AMS.
Picture credit: Simon McDonnell
Outboard motor handover in preparation for the high season
[15 November 2020] Today the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) handed over an outboard motor to Lifesaving South Africa Cape Town at the Air Sea Rescue (ASR) exercise which took place at Strandfontein beach. The outboard motor will be used on one of their Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRB). Mr. Mzi Mayedwa, Head of the LSA Drowning Prevention Committee thanked the AMS for the donation and stated that “the incidences of drownings in South Africa is a major concern due to the long coastline and the inland water areas that present a problem to lifesaving and the authorities. The motor will be shared amongst the 18 clubs that operate in the Cape Town area so that the optimum use of the boat and motor can be attained in Lifesaving South Africa’s efforts to control and reduce drowning incidents.”
The AMS provides air-sea and air-mountain rescue services by helicopter with more than two decades of rescue experience working with Department of Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) and its many affiliates including Surf-Life Saving South Africa and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). Our stringent training programmes for hoist operators are focused around safety and efficiency and have been developed taking the international and local (military) best practices into account.
“With the upcoming high season we encourage everyone using the beaches and recreational facilities to do so responsibly. We trust that our donation will assist Lifesaving South Africa to continue with their mandate to not only contain and reduce drownings amongst the residents and visitors who make use of waterways for recreation, but also in support of their training programs and community development work that they are involved with said Dr. Philip Erasmus, CEO of AMS.
Picture credit: Simon McDonnell
Outboard motor handover in preparation for the high season
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-
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Outboard motor handover in preparation for the high season
[15 November 2020] Today the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) handed over an outboard motor to Lifesaving South Africa Cape Town at the Air Sea Rescue (ASR) exercise which took place at Strandfontein beach. The outboard motor will be used on one of their Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRB). Mr. Mzi Mayedwa, Head of the LSA Drowning Prevention Committee thanked the AMS for the donation and stated that “the incidences of drownings in South Africa is a major concern due to the long coastline and the inland water areas that present a problem to lifesaving and the authorities. The motor will be shared amongst the 18 clubs that operate in the Cape Town area so that the optimum use of the boat and motor can be attained in Lifesaving South Africa’s efforts to control and reduce drowning incidents.”
The AMS provides air-sea and air-mountain rescue services by helicopter with more than two decades of rescue experience working with Department of Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) and its many affiliates including Surf-Life Saving South Africa and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). Our stringent training programmes for hoist operators are focused around safety and efficiency and have been developed taking the international and local (military) best practices into account.
“With the upcoming high season we encourage everyone using the beaches and recreational facilities to do so responsibly. We trust that our donation will assist Lifesaving South Africa to continue with their mandate to not only contain and reduce drownings amongst the residents and visitors who make use of waterways for recreation, but also in support of their training programs and community development work that they are involved with said Dr. Philip Erasmus, CEO of AMS.
Picture credit: Simon McDonnell
Outboard motor handover in preparation for the high season
[15 November 2020] Today the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) handed over an outboard motor to Lifesaving South Africa Cape Town at the Air Sea Rescue (ASR) exercise which took place at Strandfontein beach. The outboard motor will be used on one of their Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRB). Mr. Mzi Mayedwa, Head of the LSA Drowning Prevention Committee thanked the AMS for the donation and stated that “the incidences of drownings in South Africa is a major concern due to the long coastline and the inland water areas that present a problem to lifesaving and the authorities. The motor will be shared amongst the 18 clubs that operate in the Cape Town area so that the optimum use of the boat and motor can be attained in Lifesaving South Africa’s efforts to control and reduce drowning incidents.”
The AMS provides air-sea and air-mountain rescue services by helicopter with more than two decades of rescue experience working with Department of Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) and its many affiliates including Surf-Life Saving South Africa and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). Our stringent training programmes for hoist operators are focused around safety and efficiency and have been developed taking the international and local (military) best practices into account.
“With the upcoming high season we encourage everyone using the beaches and recreational facilities to do so responsibly. We trust that our donation will assist Lifesaving South Africa to continue with their mandate to not only contain and reduce drownings amongst the residents and visitors who make use of waterways for recreation, but also in support of their training programs and community development work that they are involved with said Dr. Philip Erasmus, CEO of AMS.
Picture credit: Simon McDonnell