News

Cataract Surgery Programme kicks off in KwaZulu-Natal

AMS is proud to be associated with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health and the Al-Imdaad Foundation. It has been more than two years in planning and preparation, but finally it has arrived. A three-month long cataract surgery programme brought about by a partnership between the Al-Imdaad Foundation, the KZN Department of Health, Air Mercy Services and volunteer doctors from Turkish NGO, Alliance of International Doctors (AID). The cataract programme is part of the Al-Imdaad Foundation's Vision-4-Life eye care initiative which also includes a free eye clinic, which has seen over 2000 patients in two years of operation.
On October 7th, 2019, the volunteer doctors were flown into the cataract programme briefing session at the Ladysmith Provincial Hospital by Air Mercy Personnel.
At the briefing, Al-Imdaad Foundation’s special projects coordinator, Mr Abed Karrim described the build up to the programme saying, “For two and a half years my team and I have been in and out of Pretoria to secure accreditation for the foreign doctors from the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA). We’ve had a lot of cooperation from Health Departments at all levels and finally the team is able to be here today”.
Mr Karrim went on to say that their mission was simple: “We are here to join hands to enable Vision-4-Life, this is the vision of the leadership of the Al-Imdaad Foundation- our Chairman Maulana Chohan and our trustees. They have said to us, go out there, work hand in hand with the Department of Health, work hand in hand for the community.”
Areas have been identified where there are significant backlogs of patients awaiting cataract surgeries. Public eye facilities at hospitals in Northern Natal will be used for the programme and local support staff and nurses will assist the Turkish team.
Dr T Zulu, an official from uThukela District Health described how the volunteer doctors would be greatly appreciated as some districts had significant backlogs due to a lack of personnel. Dr Zulu also said, “completing back-logs is not just about numbers. It is a quality of life issue and a human rights issue. If there is a two thousand backlog you know how you would feel if there’s a cataract and there are no operations until you are blind. So, we are very happy that we finally have these volunteers to assist us.”
The doctors from Alliance of International Doctors (AID) have had extensive experience conducting cataract surgeries in sub- Saharan Africa. The lead ophthalmic surgeon, Dr Mehmet Aslan previously spent eight months in Niger where he completed thousands of surgeries. During his three-month stay in South Africa, Dr Mehmet aims to make a significant impact on the backlogs.
Dr Mehmet said, “We were all excited to join. This project is quite prestigious for us. So, if we can accomplish this, I can assure you that there are many more volunteer doctors willing to come whenever you want. We are ready to perform the surgeries.”
After thanking all role players, Al-Imdaad Foundation CEO Yacoob Vahed also spoke encouraging words saying:
“I would like to thank everyone who made this significant project possible. Even though there has been a lot of negativity around our beautiful country recently, I believe by working together we can make a real difference. For us this is only the beginning, we hope to be able to bring in more volunteer doctors- both locals and from abroad, to help take this project to other parts of the country.”
The Al-Imdaad Foundation’s Vision-4-Life cataract programme will be running in the last quarter of 2019 with surgeries planned in the uThukela, iLembe and uMzinyathi districts of KwaZulu-Natal. For more information about the programme or to support these initiatives please call 0861786243.

Busy rescue weekend for Cape Town rescue crew

It's been a busy weekend for the Cape Town Western Cape Department of Health EMS/AMS rescue helicopter. 6 rescues took place over the busy weekend, rescues were conducted in Kirstenbosch, on Lions Head and Skeleton Gorge. Thank you to our rescue crew and partner organisations for your dedication. Well done Shukri Petersen on your first rescues as external load operator (elo). Thank you Dr. Matthew Young, Anwaaz Bent and all the individuals for sharing your photographs with us.

AMS Board of Trustees

As we reached the end of South Africa commemorating Women’s Month, The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service Trust (AMS) is proud to announce the addition of two female Board members to the Board of Trustees. Advocate Adila Hassim and Professor Lineo Mazwi-Tanga joins the diverse Board that provides leadership to the AMS for carrying out the organisation’s purpose to facilitate pluriversal access to healthcare to those rendered most vulnerable by geographical, social or economic inequity. “The AMS is excited to have the expertise of these two dynamic Board members with a broad range of business skills that will assist the organisation to continue to support the National Health System, by ensuring access to healthcare for all South Africans” said Dr Philip Erasmus, AMS CEO.

Advocate Adila Hassim holds numerous awards and is amongst others a member of the Johannesburg Society of Advocates and holds chambers at Thulamela Group of Advocates. Advocate Hassim co-founded SECTION27, a public interest law organisation that defends the rights of health, education and food. She served as its Director of Litigation until 2017. She is also a founding director of Corruption Watch and a Trustee of the Constitutional Hill Trust. She is a former law clerk to Deputy Chief Justice Pius Langa, as well as Justice Edwin Cameron.

Prof. Lineo Mazwi-Tanga was at the helm of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) for eight years and holds the title of CPUT’s first Rector and Vice-Chancellor. Her experience as an educationist began in the Eastern Cape, where she taught Mathematics, Physical Science and Biology at several high schools. An invitation to serve in the Ministry of Education as a Ministerial Advisor to Minister Kader Asmal, introduced Professor Mazwi-Tanga to systems in national higher education, something which served her well when she assumed the position of leadership of CPUT. Professor Mazwi-Tanga retired as Vice Chancellor in December 2013. She currently serves as one of the Advocates for Social Cohesion, Nation Building and Democracy that is driven through the Ministry of Arts and Culture.

The AMS Board of Trustees is steered by Chairman, Mr. Gideon Sam and comprises of Board Member, Adv. Adila Hassim, Prof. Lineo Mazwi-Tanga, Mr. René de Wet, Prof. Shepherd Mayatula, Mr. Geoffrey Qhena, Mr. Alan Marshall, Mr. Ray ka Msengana and Mr. Lwazi Mboyi. “We look forward to the insights under the leadership of our Board of Trustees with unique and diverse backgrounds and experiences that will make them an asset to the organisation in pursuing our mission to building a national asset for our country by ensuring that healthcare reaches all South Africans” Dr Philip Erasmus concluded.

Meet our team ...

Although he has only been with us officially since the beginning of July, today’s staff profile feature is not a new face to the AMS family. Nolan Naidoo’s journey with the AMS started way back when he volunteered for the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) and then later as one of the METRO volunteers working on a rotational basis at AMS. We are thrilled to have Nolan with us full time and hope that he will enjoy his time here. Here’s a look into his world …

Tell us about yourself: “I was born and bred in Cape Town and have been involved in the field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for 18 years. I started volunteering for SARCS in the 1990’s and developed a passion for EMS and later joined the Western Cape Department of Health Emergency Medical Services as a volunteer. I completed the necessary courses in order to further myself and later started working for Netcare for six years. I moved back to the Western Cape Department of Health EMS, then started working at AMS on a rotational basis and fell in love with AMS. I volunteered at AMS for six years before I officially joined the team on a permanent basis in July this year.”

Were you in any other trade before? “No.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “Scuba diving.”

What do you do in your spare time? “Hiking.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “I love cooking, I am a coffee snob.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “The interaction with people.”

What is on your bedside table? “Only a lampshade.”

If you could have dinner with people from history, who would they be? “Bob Marley, Ghandi and my late grandfather.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “Everyone is happy that I am off the road and in a safer environment.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “The birth of my son.”

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? “Professional mountain biker.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “Coffee and chocolate.”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “Coffee.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “Caring.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “You carry the consequences of the choices you make.”

Do you have a life philosophy? “Take things easy.”

Meet our team ...

Today we welcome Lliam Richmond, newest addition to the AMS family. Lliam relocated from the City of Gold to join the Cape Town team in June. Here’s a look into his world.

Who is Lliam Richmond? “I was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. I attended St. Stithians College from a young age. After matriculating in 2012, I completed a Bachelors Degree of Health Sciences in Emergency Medical Care at the University of Johannesburg, graduating at the end of 2016. Once qualified, I worked at ER24 Johannesburg North branch for two and a half years, from the beginning of 2017 until June 2019. In June 2019, I was offered a position as Flight Paramedic at the Red Cross Air Mercy Service and relocated to Cape Town. At the beginning of 2019, I enrolled for my Masters of Philosophy in Emergency Medicine at the University of Cape Town, which I hope to complete in the next two to three years.”

Were you in any other trade before? “No, I started studying towards my degree after high school and have been involved in emergency medical services ever since.”

Why did you choose to join the AMS? “I found out about the AMS towards the end of my studies (2015/2016) and have aspired to work for such a service since then. Furthermore, I have a passion for aero-medicine and the critical care environment. I am excited for this next chapter and what it has in store, both its challenges and experiences.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “To kite surf or fly a helicopter.”

What do you do in your spare time? “Apart from working on my Masters, I enjoy taking time to relax, socialise and spend quality time with friends and family.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “I have a fascination with helicopters and hope to obtain my own helicopters pilots license in the future.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “Working as a paramedic can be highly fulfilling, yet it can have its drawbacks. What I enjoy most is when we can make a difference in someone’s life, from as little as comforting a child at the scene of an accident to working hard to stabilise a critical ill or injured patient. It’s the difference we can make that makes it all worth it.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “They typically applaud the work that is done by paramedics and this is followed by two common questions, how do you do it? and what is the worst thing you’ve ever seen? Overall, people are rather impressed with the work we do and are exceptionally grateful.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “There have been many days that I consider the happiest day(s) of my life, I would struggle to choose one.

What is your greatest indulgence? “Sushi.”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “My family.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “I am passionate and driven.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “I’ve been fortunate to receive many pieces of advice over the years, which have aided my growth and development as a person and practitioner.”

Do you have a life philosophy? “Love what you do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

Meet our team ...

Today we introduce Rushana Slarmie, Head Office Administration Coordinator and Skills Development Facilitator. Rushana’s portfolio consists of the management of Head Office facilities, regulatory compliance for B-BBEE and SETA; the facilitation of training & development and support to the AMS Executive Team. Here’s a look into her world …

How long have you been with AMS? “I started at AMS in 2007 as the Cape Town Base Administrator. In 2008, I moved to the Public Relations Department. In 2011, I did a lateral move to the National Operations Department and later resigned in that year. I returned to AMS in 2015 and now four years later, still happily employed by AMS”.

Tell us about yourself. “I was born and raised in Cape Town. After completing high school, I pursued my interest in computer studies. I completed my CompTIA A+ certification. At the start of 2008, I spend four years completing my National Diploma in Public Relations Management part-time with the support of my colleagues and family. I also pursued other short courses since 2011 for further self-development.”

Were you in any other trade before? “I was previously employed by Telkom but doing much of the same thing, planning, organising, coordinating and controlling.”

Why did you choose to join the AMS? “I believe that when you first make the decision to look for employment, you can never be too sure what awaits you. However, when I first walked into AMS, it felt right, I was comfortable, everyone who walked by greeted with a smile and appeared to be very friendly. I was also greeted by Sizeka Mvunge, Cape Town Base Receptionist back then, who politely ushered me to the Base Manager, Ashwin Krishna’s office. I knew that I wanted to be part of an organisation that made a difference in the lives of many. I wanted to be part of a culture that aligned itself with the values of the organisation and I wanted to feel like I could make a positive contribution to the work place and yes, I wanted to fly in the helicopter. I officially started on the 20^th of August 2007 and the rest they say is history.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “It would probably be how to change or repair a cellphone screen. It is absolutely ridiculous how much they charge you to repair your cellphone screen. The other skill is to fly an aircraft, obviously! I work for the Air Mercy Service.”

What do you do in your spare time? “Absolutely nothing, yes right, I wish!

I am always busy with something, cooking, cleaning or busy planning some family activity. I want to say exercise but who am I fooling. I do enjoy hiking and running but I haven’t done any of that in a while.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “I sing like Celine Dion, just kidding. I am really an open book.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “Every day I am presented with new challenges, I enjoy my working environment and am fortunate to be surrounded by a great team who makes my job interesting and keeps me on my toes.”

What is on your bedside table? “Nothing, I don’t like clutter.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? “Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him), Queen Elizabeth, Razia Sultana, Fatima Meer, Nelson Mandela (Peace Be Upon Him).”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “Can you organise a helicopter trip?”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “When I married my best friend, Nathier Karriem.”

What was your first thought when you woke up this morning? “What do I make for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal before fasting)?”

What is your greatest indulgence? “Pineapple and sweet melon.”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “My family.”

What animal best represents you and why? “I think a Panda bear because they so cute and they only attack humans out of irritation. It takes a long time before I get irritated though.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “There are moments in your life that there are no words, but it’s just a bad day and not a bad life.”

Do you have a life philosophy? “Look at those below you but not those above you, because you will become ungrateful - Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him).”

New headsets for our fleet

Team focus

Pamela Ngidi, affectionately known to many as Aunty Pam is responsible for keeping our facilities at the AMS King Shaka Base in a neat and tidy condition. Aunty Pam has been part of the team for 12 years, she always wears a smile on her face and enjoys socialising. Here’s a look into her world.  

Tell us about yourself: “I was born in KwaMaphumulo and grew up in Durban (in Mlazi Township). I completed my Matric in 1986 at Ezindongeni Adult Centre. I am a very friendly person who laughs a lot and enjoys socialising with people.

Were you in any other trade before? “I worked for Check-Med Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Assistant for 15 years.”

Why did you choose to join the AMS? “While I was growing up my wish was always to be a Doctor one day. Unfortunately, this did not realise, so when I received the opportunity to work at AMS I was thrilled to know I will be working amongst doctors.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “To drive my own car.”

What do you do in your spare time? “I clean my house, I go to church and teach Sunday school.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? “My Family, as all my children stays in Johannesburg.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “Someone can look at me and see a strong woman but I am also a sensitive person.”

What is on your bedside table? “My Bible and my phone.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “They are excited and want to come fly.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “The graduation of my children.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “A Steers Burger.”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “Water.”

Which animal do you feel best describes you and why? “A cow, because cows are providers (you get milk, meat, leather etc.) just like me at the workplace as well as my home.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “Pray and be patient.”

Do you have a life goal? “To complete my house.”

Team focus

Today we introduce Dorothia Zimba, Accounts Clerk based at our Head Office. Dorothia has been with the organisation for more than two decades. Here’s a look into her world…

Tell us about yourself: “I was born in the Eastern Cape, in a place called Queenstown. I grew up and completed my studies there.”

Were you in any other trade before? “No.”

Why did you choose to join the AMS? “I chose AMS because it is a good organisation.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “I would like to be a social worker.”

What do you do in your spare time? “I enjoy cleaning and baking.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “That I am still working at AMS.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “Learning something new every day.”

What is on your bedside table? “My Bible.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? “Barack Obama.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “They encourage me to work hard.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “When I started working at AMS.”

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? “To be a Chief Executive Officer.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “Capturing invoices.”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “The Bible.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “I am a hard worker.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “Work hard.”

Meet our team

Our National Operations Centre (NOC), relies on a small team of dedicated co-ordinators to provide client access, mission co-ordination services and the collection, recording & distribution of data to mention a few. The newest addition to the AMS team resides in this Department; today we get to know Dean Oliver, NOC Coordinator.

Who is Dean Olivier? “I can’t remember where I was born, I also didn’t really ask. I am sure it was in a hospital in Cape Town somewhere (lol). I lived in Atlantis initially but also grew up largely on the Cape Flats specifically Mitchells Plain and Delft where I still reside today. I matriculated from Roosendal High School in 2003 and studied & qualified from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in 2011.”

Were you in any other trade before? “Since matric I have been in the EMS environment. For three years I worked in the call centre industry, but this too required the use of my EMS knowledge.”

Why did you choose to join the AMS? “I think the question should be why AMS chose me. It is a field I have never experienced before so it offers me personal growth in an industry, I have no experience in (aviation). I also have a chance to be the coolest dad when I bring my son for a tour of the base.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “Ummmm… tough question… be a pro at trading the foreign exchange, I guess.”

What do you do in your spare time? “Relax with family, going fishing and playing FIFA.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “I go fishing.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “I enjoy the fact that every day poses new challenges. The challenges range from poor flying weather conditions to dealing with excel documents; but most importantly I enjoy the fact that AMS is a family. In my short tenure here, I have seen how pilots, medical crew, engineers and operations centre staff work together and all of this is in aid of flying our patients safely and rescuing the injured. Besides, who does not enjoy being part of a team who operates like a well fuelled and maintained AgustaWestland rescue helicopter?”

What is on your bedside table? “I don’t have one. But next time you ask the question I certainly will.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? “Winston Churchill - led Britain to victory in the Second World War; Madiba - widely regarded as an icon of democracy and social justice; Florence Nightingale – the woman who changed the face of nursing forever; Thomas Edison – Inventor The Phonograph, Light Bulb, The Motion Picture; Leonardo da Vinci - one of the world’s greatest thinkers, artists and philosophers.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask? “When can we fly.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “The day I married my wife Nicole.”

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? “To be part of the AMS flight medical crew.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “Playing video games.”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “My family.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “Always willing to help.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “Never underestimate the power of 1.”

Do you have a life philosophy? “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

Meet our team ...

Today we introduce Simthembile Gadezweni, who has taken up the position of IT Support within our organisation. Sim as he is affectionately known is part of the AMS family for a whole week! Here’s a look into his world…

Tell us about yourself: “I was born in Cape Town however I am originally from the Eastern Cape in a Town called Tsolo. I completed my Primary School studies at Thembani PP School, later I went on to complete my higher grades at LEAP Science and Maths Schools. I furthered my education at Cape Peninsula University of Technology where I studied IT.”

Why did you choose AMS: “I chose AMS because I actually liked what the company does, for me this is more than a job it’s a learning curve.  This is one NPO that change people’s lives.”

What do you do in your spare time? “I spend most of my spare time with family and friends.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “You would be surprised that I am much younger than I look.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “What I enjoy the most about my job is the fact that I get to interact with different personalities. I face unexpected challenges everyday so I learn new things every day.”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “The happiest day of my life was when I got my first job.”

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? “If there is any job I would want to do just for day is to sit in the President’s chair.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “One quality that best describes me is compassionate.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “The best advice I ever got was from my high school teacher he said never let anyone say you are lucky, because what they call luck, is your preparation meeting new opportunities.”

Meet our team ...

We welcome Nokhanyo Mntsokobha, Business Management intern to the AMS family. Nokhanyo has been with the organisation for two weeks and will be shadowing the various Departments at AMS to gain exposure and experience in order to complete her Diploma. We trust this career development will allow her to explore her interests and develop professional skills and competencies in her Business Administration career. Here’s a look into her world.

Tell us about yourself: “I was born in Johannesburg in a place called Natalspruit Hospital in 1995. I lived there until 2004 and moved to the Eastern Cape (ELLIOT DALE, XHORHA) to complete my Primary School education. In 2008 I came to Cape Town, I studied at ID Mkhize BCM High School in Gugulethu. I was doing Commerce studies until I completed my matric in 2013. After matric I got married. I now have two beautiful daughters, a three-year-old and a 7 month old. In 2016 I enrolled to the College of Cape Town to pursue my studies in Business Management.”

Were you in any other trade before? “I was once a retail student at Shoprite.”

Why did you choose to join the AMS? “I choose to join AMS because I want to observe and learn new things in the business world. I want to gain experience in order to complete my Diploma.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be? “To drive.”

What do you do in your spare time? “I spend time with my family. I am also a hair dresser.”

What might someone be surprised to know about you? “I am not a talkative person. There is nothing surprising about me, what you see is what you get.”

What do you enjoy most about your job? “To have my own space, working with figures and computers and to assist where I can.”

If you could have dinner with five famous people from history, who would they be? “My High school friends. To memorise our high school moments.”

When your friends/family find out what you do, what do they say or ask?

“My friends ask how did I get it and my family would ask about my salary, is it permanent. My husband asks ‘can you book a ticket for me with less price?’”

What has been the happiest day of your life? “It will have to be my birthday, the 24^th of December because everyone is there my family and my friends.”

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? “I would love to be a Nurse.”

What is your greatest indulgence? “Red meat, energy drinks and eating dried food.”

What is the one thing, you can’t live without? “My family. My life.”

What is the one quality you feel best describes you? “My personality.”

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you? “I must fight for what I want. My mother said I must learn to be independent and supportive.”

Do you have a life philosophy? “Do what you want, don’t mind what people will say because they will always have something to say.”