Salute to those whose every waking minute is dedicated to the well-being of others.
Fanned by the onset of the global health panic, a preexisting flame to help grew into a now burning fire. First introducing the brand in May 2020, official registration would follow in June with full non-profit organisation (NPO) status in November, ComMed is operating at full force. An abbreviation of Community Medics, the 17-member team of lifesavers is saving minutes when seconds matter.
The initial growth of the volunteer organisation came through the meeting of like-minded individuals. “Within our first week, we realised we were by far not the only people who did this and started meeting people along the way with a shared passion,” said one ComMed director Nathanael Block. “We decided that we needed to formalise an organisation where we could be more active in the community.”
Along with Nathanael, additional directors are Basic Life Support (BLS) Craig Steyn and Ruan Bosch, and pharmacist Shelley-Ann Steyn. Other founding members include Advanced First Responders (AFR) Divan Snyman, Henré Classen and Sihle Ndlovu, BLS medic Anné Blokker, and nurse Carla Goede. Rapid growth has seen ComMed add two Intermediate Life Support medics, an Advanced Life Support medic, four AFRs and a victim support councillor.
ComMed strives to have at least one member out in the field at any given time but there are only so many hours in a day. “Being a completely voluntary organisation, we allow a lot of flexibility with our members. Everyone organises their shifts around their work schedules but we make sure that during the high call volume times, such as weekends and near the end of the month, we have more than one person available for emergency calls,” explained Nathaneal.
Being a first responder is a unique calling and the senior crew recognise talent when they see it. “We require our volunteers to have passion, passion and more passion. Like our motto says, ‘All Passion, Non-Profit’. ComMed is unlike any other first responder team in that we strive to have completely selfless members, volunteers who are willing to give up their sleep, money and time simply to help someone in need,” elaborated Nate, as his colleagues call him.
ComMed has a dedicated WhatsApp line and is linked to a vast and sophisticated network of emergency and medical services. The team is fully equipped to assist at motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes, home-based accidents such as falls and cuts, and even have their own accredited snake wrangler.
As with any NPO, every cent into the organisation comes from the goodwill of sponsors. Being able to grow the team and focus on service is community-inspired. Their services are free of charge and available to anyone regardless of financial or religious circumstance. For assistance or to assist ComMed in carrying out their lifesaving work contact 078 772 2528 via WhatsApp or email at info@commed.org.za.
