Rescue South Africa (RSA) and Nelson Mandela University (NMU) have entered into a mutual agreement in order to assist in building capacity at NMU as well as in the province.
The idea is to use the substantial cache of USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) equipment (60 tons) that was relocated to Gqebera recently. The equipment will be used to capacitate the university to teach all 12 rescue modules that form part of the four year B Tech degree which produces advanced life support paramedics and rescue technicians.
By moving this cache we have accelerated the university’s ability to offer all these rescue modules, as well as assist in the development of the SLP (Short Learning Programmes) that the university plans to offer.
One of our joint visions is to roll out these USAR accredited training modules in the province to emergency service personnel, should there be such a requirement. The concept is that if any of the municipalities accept this offer, training will be offered on site at the municipalities premises.
The idea is to try and raise funding, so that this training can be offered at no charge to these municipalities, under financial constraint. Furthermore it’s envisaged that the equipment and our vehicles will be used, should a technical rescue arise in the vicinity that requires specialised equipment that may not be available normally. We are hoping to use the senior rescue lecturers as well as final year students serving a dual purpose of giving the students real life experience in their field, and assisting the affected communities when needed.
Finally this equipment will continue to serve, as it has in the past, to respond to any sudden onset disaster – provincially, nationally and internationally.
Ian Scher, CEO, Rescue South Africa
ian@rescue-sa.co.za
For those seeking to fund such stellar initiatives for the benefit of all South Africans, please contact Ian directly to discuss CSI.
