MOSSEL BAY NEWS - EMS Chaplaincy & Trauma Support, a nationwide non-profit organisation and non-profit company, plays a vital role, assisting victims of motor accidents and other traumatic events.
There are teams of the organisation in a number of cities and towns throughout the country.
Mossel Bay Advertiser spoke to Adriaan Byleveldt, who heads up the Mossel Bay team and who is also the commander for the organisation's Western Cape region.
What is EMS Chaplaincy & Trauma Support?
It is a Christian-based ministry, but provides support to people of all religions, races and beliefs.
Our main goal across South Africa is to provide emotional support during times of crisis.
We are a registered non-profit organisation.
We are known to and accepted by disaster management departments, fire and rescue services, emergency medical services, law enforcement agencies and support services all over South Africa. But we are not a counselling service.
How are you funded?
We rely on donations and sponsorships at districts, regional and head office levels.
We fund our own expenses, such as training, uniform, vehicle maintenance and petrol, cellphone costs and so forth.
We would like to do more in the line of community support and outreach but are limited because of limited funds and resources.
Who can people contact if they would like to make donations?
The EMS Chaplaincy & Trauma Support national chief commander, Gerda Coetzee (072 170 1289 or ems. chaplaincy@gmail.com).
As the commander of the Western Cape region, what does your role involve?
I provide support and guidance to our members, see to their needs and ensure services are carried out professionally, with their safety in mind, with the necessary training.
What is your background?
I have been part of the emergency service as a volunteer for many years. It's always been my passion to support people.
How many are in the team in Mossel Bay?
We have six members.
Where did they train?
Most of our members are already pastors or counsellors when they join the chaplaincy service, but before they become a chaplain or trauma supporter, we give them in-house training to provide them with the skills needed to work as a chaplain professionally and safely.
Where do you offer your services?
We are not limited to incidents or situations.
We provide support in situations from car accidents to death notification; we even do hospital visits.
What can people expect of your team when it is called to an incident?
Our primary role on the scene is to provide emotional support to those affected by the incident.
This includes family members, victims and even bystanders who may be struggling to process what has happened.
We offer a calming presence, listen to their concerns and help them cope with shock, grief or distress and stand alongside those in need, offering comfort, guidance and spiritual or emotional support, as appropriate.
How long does your service to the victim or the family last?
We provide emotional support as long as it is needed or possible for us to support. We do not do on-scene counselling.
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