The Western Cape Government College of Emergency Care’s participation in the career day at Fisantekraal High School on 24 August 2024, was a significant event aimed at inspiring high school students interested in pursuing studies in emergency care. The college staff provided valuable insights into the qualifications required for a career in emergency care, detailed the college’s offerings, and explained the admission process.

The interactive sessions, particularly the exploration of an ambulance and its equipment, as well as the demonstration of a ventilator inflating and deflating anatomical lungs, were exceptionally well-received. Such hands-on experiences are crucial in sparking students’ interest in the medical field and providing them with a realistic glimpse into the profession. The enthusiasm displayed by the students is a positive indicator of their interest in the emergency care sector, which could potentially lead to an increase in enrollment at the college in the coming years. This event not only served as an educational experience but also as a bridge connecting potential future healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and passion to pursue such a vital career path.

Mr. Neville Van Rensburgs career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) began in the West Coast District Municipality Fire and Ambulance Rescue Services. Spanning an impressive 43 years, Neville’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2001, he was promoted to Provincial Rescue and Disaster Coordinator for Metro Emergency Services, a role in which he thrived.

Despite his professional achievements, Neville remains a humble and positive individual, deeply devoted to his family. His wife, Ronelle, has been his unwavering support throughout his career. Together with their two daughters and seven grandchildren, they look forward to embracing his retirement.

Neville’s colleagues, students, and friends celebrate his legacy. His example of dedication, humility, and service sets a high standard for all. As Neville steps into this new chapter, we salute him and eagerly anticipate the continued impact he will make.

Neville, thank you for your extraordinary contributions. Your legacy will inspire us for generations to come!

The current intake of Matric Life Science students once again paid a group visit to the SA Museum in Cape Town. Under the expert guidance of Mr Glynn Allard, they were taken through their paces of what the Matric Syllabus required of them…. Looking at the Theories of Evolution, as well as the section on Evidence of Human Evolution – They had to revert to examining models of Human Skulls… as well as provide observational evidence based upon their examinations. A truly hands-on experience. The students no doubt found the visit eye-opening as well as bringing facts on paper to life.

The UCT _Medical Museum visit was as enriching, with reality checks to the theories that featured in the matric Life Science reference papers. Indeed an Eye Opening experience. I sincerely hope it added to their confidence in dealing with their final exams.

The Career Day, held on 26 April 2024 organized by the University of Cape Town (UCT), at the Inkcubeko Youth science centre Thembalethu, George, aimed to introduce Grade 12 learners from various schools to potential career opportunities. Besides the various disciplines in the health departments, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Occupational and Speech therapy us as The College of Emergency Care was represented by Mr. Mario Grispe and Mr. Leighchan Adams, and the rescue team with Richard Botha, whose goal was to provide information about a career in Emergency Medical Care and inspire future students to consider this field.

We set up a dedicated station where we engaged with the learners and presented key information about our programs, including:

• Admission Requirements
• State-of-the-Art Equipment Demonstrations
• Day-to-Day Operations at EMS

Overall, this event was an excellent opportunity to promote the College of Emergency Care and EMS to inspire future generations to pursue careers in emergency services.

The College of Emergency Care with Caledon Rescue, Caledon Operations, and Caledon control room in conjunction with the South African Police and Provincial Traffic was invited to bring awareness to the community of Tesselaarsdal about the emergency services that are provided.

The day was festive with introductions from all the emergency services giving their backgrounds and functions to the communities. This event for us was a meagre look into the time and work that these 3 members puts in daily to serve their community. The Theerwaters kloof Liabrary in Tesselaarsdal has become more than just an institute to read books, but more of a home for young and old in this small farm community.

The District Municipality Disaster Centre hosted a “Fighting inequality for a resilient future” on Friday, 13 October 2023. The event was open to all high school learners and the public in the Moorreesburg area.

The provincial rescue services demonstrated to the attendees how a vehicle is dismantled in the context of persons trapped. The fire department set the car alight after the rescue demonstration were done and they displayed their skills on how to handle and extinguish vehicle fires. The department of fisheries had a display on shoreline creatures and the law related to fishing and collection of shellfish and any information that were asked regarding their line of work. The College of Emergency Care (CEC) displayed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) manikins and an airway manikin that were ventilated and furthermore displayed the CEC training ambulance with all advanced equipment. All questions that came from the children were answered.

At the Fisantekraal High School Career Day the team was met with great enthusiasm and excitement, from both learners and staff alike. The friendliness and keenness to interact with the team was inspiring. From being able to demonstrate anatomical locations of the trachea and esophagus, tips on basic first aid, to answering questions on end-of-life care, learners were eager and invested to learn as much as they could, with there never being a moment of silence. Learners loved interacted with the manikin, watching it breathe and played with various tools we use daily. From the questions, it was clear that the learners had real-life experiences to which our information would prove beneficial in the future. We felt privileged to have been part of this event and hopefully inspiring a few learners to consider becoming prehospital emergency care practitioners in the future.