Every time the phone rings, it could be someone counting on them; someone who needs their help, their skills, expertise or experience. The crisis or emergency they have to attend to becomes their top priority, and your expectation is their driving force. Whether it be trauma support to frontline staff, hijackings, armed robberies, death notifications, serious accidents, spiritual support, first response, counselling or suicides – they are here to help.
But what does the EMS Chaplaincy & Trauma Support team do?
EMS Chaplaincy stands for Emotional Medical Support. This dedicated team supports the emergency medical services, SAPS, traffic department, fire department, towing services and members of the public who are experiencing trauma. They are there because of their compassion for people; to make a difference in someone’s life, save a life or even make someone feel better. They help those who cannot help themselves, and have a positive influence. They are there to serve, pray, support and help. Even if it is just an ear to listen, coffee or a chat; it is a step in the right direction.
* They assist at a scene, being the first stage of trauma counselling for a patient, family or bystanders.
* They assist in scene control so the professionals can get on with what they need to do
. * They are available for second-stage trauma to the EMS and policing departments for what they are going through. They desire to do station visits, check up on members and advise if further help is needed.
EMS Chaplaincy & Trauma Support is a volunteer organisation that runs at their own expense.
The team for Parys is growing and includes Chapl. Carl Cilliers (Free State regional commander) Chapl. Iggie Verwey (Fezile Dabi and Vaal district commander) TS Benno Stapel TS Shawna Stapel TS Michele Botha TS Jaydin Cilliers TS Shaden Patterson TS Dorette Nel TS Debbie Hertzog TS Cecil Parsons TS Dwayne Olsen TS Carike Kramer.
How can you contact the EMS Chaplaincy & Trauma Support team for the Fezile Dabi and Vaal District district?
082 522 5225 (regional commander)
076 690 2484 (district commander)
079 215 0191 (trauma support).
You can also email emsparys@gmail.com.
The team is there to help those who help you, so please support them. You never know when you may need them to be there for you or a family member. The reality is that they are often faced with drunkards, are sworn at, shot at, spat at, verbally- and sometimes even physically abused.
Often, they can’t win, no matter how alert, considerate, kind or cautious they are. Often, just a greeting or even a smile can acknowledge their presence. For more information or questions or if you would like to support or get involved in any way, please contact Coach Carl on 082 522 5225. “The harvest is ripe, but the workers are few.”
