Every year millions of South Africans seek medical care for trauma related incidents. World Trauma Day, which is observed on 17 October, focuses on creating greater public awareness of trauma in an effort to change behaviour and reduce trauma-related injury.
In commemoration of this year’s World Trauma Day, 21 October, we will again see emergency services personnel pitting themselves against each other at the annual Emergency Medical Services and Firefighter Challenge which takes place at the South African Emergency Care (SAEC) training school in Modderfontein.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Challenge organised by Netcare in collaboration with SAEC, provides emergency services personnel with the opportunity to put their skills and professional capabilities to the test in a series of challenging individual and team events. The competition is open to anyone volunteering or working in the field of emergency medical services, the South African Police Service or fire services.
Mande Toubkin, Netcare general manager emergency, trauma, transplant and corporate social investment, says that the event provides an opportunity to pay tribute to emergency services personnel who often put their own safety on the line in order to save lives.
“While World Trauma Day usually commemorates trauma patients and those who have lost their lives or require ongoing support due to trauma, this event is about giving back to the people managing trauma patients. And although undoubtedly challenging, it is meant to be a fun day to acknowledge the emergency personnel and all their hard work.
“We would like to encourage all of those who qualify to participate. Members of the public are also invited to attend to see the contestants being put through their paces, and enjoy what has become a memorable and educational annual family event.”
Netcare Milpark Hospital trauma programme manager, Rene Grobler, says the event provides the public with the opportunity to see the level of skills and teamwork required by emergency personnel to perform the critical work they do on a daily basis, often in dangerous situations.
“The Challenge has become an increasingly popular event. We always seek the broadest possible level of participation, and in previous years competitors have included teams of firefighters, paramedics from both public and private emergency medical services including Netcare 911, and medical staff from Netcare hospitals.
“While the competition is stiff there is always great camaraderie among the competitors, and it is a great way for Netcare and the public to say thank you for the incredible service these remarkable men and woman provide within our communities,” concludes Grobler.
Entry forms for the EMS and Firefighter Challenge can be obtained from Amanda Klette ([email protected]) Rene Grobler ([email protected]) or Mariesa Human ([email protected]) Completed forms can be emailed to Rene, Amanda or Mariesa, or handed in at the emergency departments of Netcare Milpark and Netcare Union hospitals.
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Issued by: Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Netcare
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney or Meggan Saville
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected],