Taking emergency care into communities

The Ocean View Efar team gives a demonstration during a graduation ceremony on Saturday December 3.

Thirty-two residents from Ocean View, Masiphumelele and Simon’s Town graduated as emergency first-aid responders (Efar) during a ceremony at the Soetwater nature reserve, on Saturday December 3.

Programme coordinator Marcus Slingers said the training gave people basic skills to help in emergency situations.

The Western Cape Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is running the training in some of the province’s poorest neighbourhoods where emergency medical care isn’t always readily available.

Founded by Dr Jared Sun, the Efar system trains people to assist with life-threatening emergencies in their communities.

More than 1 000 Ocean View residents have been trained this year and there are more than 70 WhatsApp groups across Cape Town that respond to emergencies, according to Mr Slingers.

He said Efar head instructor Deon Terry, who started the programme in Ocean View, had worked hard to create a network of communities.

“He has been very successful in doing this. His determination and the personal sacrifices he has made have paid off.”

Mr Terry thanked the volunteers, many of them youth, who had inspired the younger generation to join.

Ward councillor Simon Liell-Cock said: “You will not only uplift your community by volunteering but you will also inspire other people.”

Among the graduates was a small group of Blue Bib parking attendants and graduates of work courses offered to the homeless by My Father’s House in Simon’s Town.

Graduate Benn-Lee Josephs said he was “very proud” of his achievement and it was his fourth certificate this year. Other certificates include a certificate for drug rehabilitation from Living Hope, one for a work-readiness programme, and his barista-training certificate earlier this year.

The graduates and guests were also treated to a display by the Ocean View Efar team.

Among the graduates was a group from My Father’s House, a community kitchen in Simon’s Town. From left are, emergency first aid responder (Efar) founder Dr Jared Sun, My Father’s House treasurer Salaam Cader, Benn-Lee Josephs, Roland Stoffels, ward councillor Simon Liell-Cock, Machawe Ndlovu, Director of EMS director for the Western Cape Graig Wylie, Efar head instructor Deon Terry and Efar programme coordinator Marcus Slingers.

Emergency first aid responders (Efar) founder Dr Jared Sun, left and Efar head instructor Deon Terry, right, with the group of graduates from Ocean View.