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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The launch of the Community First Aid Responder programme is another first for Mossel Bay and for the Western Cape.

It took place at the Garden Route Funeral Services Chapel in Bland Street, Mossel Bay.

PHOTO GALLERY: Community First Aid Responder program

The host of the event, Dr Herman Strydom, set the tone for a momentous morning with a powerful word of encouragement to let everyone know that God is in control.

A group of young people from the Mossel Bay community underwent tough training to become competent first aiders.

"Under the guidance of Yolandi Avontuur from EMS in Mossel Bay, one could feel the confidence and excitement in the room," says Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp, police corporate communications officer of the Garden Route district.

The training programme is the brainchild of the MEC for Health in the Western Cape, Nomafrench Mbombo.

The idea is to equip community members to act as first responders in medical emergencies when there is a delay in ambulance service. The training teaches the community first responder to stabilise any patient while waiting for the ambulance to arrive, especially in the rural areas.

The incumbents were encouraged by guest speakers including Henry Williamson of Mossel Bay Municipality, Lesiamo Ernest Masooa and Greg Clarry from the Provincial EMS and Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp.

Town councillor Leon van Dyk, the keynote speaker, assured of the municipality's support of the programme and pledged support from the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) in Mossel Bay. "Mossel Bay is growing fast and without courageous, willing community members keeping our people safe is not possible," said Van Dyk.

Avontuur is positive these interns are just the beginning of bigger things to come and encourages the community to join hands to ensure the safety of our people.

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