35 new heroes qualify for rescue service

WITH the slogan “Ordinary people doing extraordinary things”, the Emergency Volunteer Services welcomed its first batch of recruits.

Thirty-five volunteers – 17 from Ocean View and 17 from Vrygrond – graduated from the Emergency Volunteer Services-Community Response Teams (EVS-CERT) training.

The volunteers received certification in Wildland First Aid and Wildland Fire Fighting after a one-year training programme.

Malvern Dicks, 18, a matriculant from Ocean View High School, delivered the speech on behalf of the graduating class on Saturday evening.

“I saw it (joining the programme) as an opportunity to get involved, and perhaps the opening of a few doors for me.

“Because of my studies and exams, I missed a few sessions, but I overall enjoyed every moment of it,” said Dicks.

Two members who completed the training assisted with yesterday’s shack fires in Masiphumelele, said Dicks.

EVS director Davin Chown said the programme started in 2010 with the aim of providing services to communities from flood and fire-prone areas.

“This initiative is of critical importance as often neighbours are the first to arrive at incidents.

“Volunteers are able to provide basic medical assistance and assess scenes, and in the instance of a fire, they can effect containment or control measures,” said Chown.

He said EVS gave training through donations from the Rotary Club of Newlands and support from other benefactors.

“We are giving individuals the training to assess and act accordingly as they are first on the scene. Our volunteers try to assist the scene but fall back when the general emergency services arrive,” said Chown.

Metro EMS station chief Paul de Smidt attended the ceremony and said he welcomed the initiative.

“Our service is under immense pressure and in the coming months we’ll see this pressure growing.

“Volunteers become first responders in a sense, and provide relief and assistance with their basic training,” said De Smidt.

EVS welcomes any community or individuals who wish to begin this initiative in their area.

See info@evs.org.za or contact EVS Chief Shirley Botes at 083 460 3898.