ComMed is a non-profit community-based emergency medical response service operating in Johannesburg, South Africa. ComMed's aim is to provide life-saving services to those in need, to those who do not have access to private services, to those who need an emergency medical intervention or to those who simply need support. In this episode, Neil Van Der Merwe discusses the unique role they fill in South Africa's EMS system, and how they fulfill their mission of "All Mission, Non-Profit".

To learn more about ComMed visit their website.

To get in touch directly you can email info@commed.org.za

Follow ComMed: Facebook | Instagram

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• Overview of ComMed's services (00:25)
• Intermediate vs Advanced Life Support in South Africa (04:00)
• Types of calls ComMed responds to (10:20)
• How ComMed reaches those in need (13:40)
• How ComMed managed a successful launch during Covid (16:40)
• Level and methods of training for volunteers (23:15)
• ComMed's mission, vision and values (27:15)
• Advice for those wanting to launch a similar service (30:45)

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HOST

Jason Friesen is the Founder and Executive Director of Trek Medics International, a 501c3-registered nongovernmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving access to emergency response networks in communities across the globe through innovative mobile phone technologies.

Learn more about Trek Medics International by visiting their website, and for more info on the Beacon Crisis Response Platform visit here.

Follow Trek Medics on: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

Theme song: "Happy Feliz" by ¡Big Grande! (used with permission).