As part of its mission to tackle medical and fire-related emergencies in Paarl’s informal settlements, Drakenstein Farm Watch (DFW) has successfully trained and equipped 30 residents through its groundbreaking Community Emergency Responder (CER) programme.
Launched as part of DFW Fire & Rescue NPC’s broader mission, the initiative is arming residents with practical skills, tools and confidence needed to act swiftly in crisis situations, often before emergency services arrive.
The latest group of 15 residents recently completed intensive training at the DFW headquarters in Paarl.
Led by Paarl-based Terence Klaasen, head of EMS Ambulance Services, the course covered vital emergency medical-care procedures and fire-safety techniques.
Graduates earned two accredited certificates – one in first aid and another in fire response – solidifying their role as trusted members of the Emergency First Aid Responder (EFAR) network, DFW said in a statement.
It said the programme emphasised hands-on learning. Trainees practised using fire reels, hoses, pumps and DFW’s 4×4 tanker/pumper fire trucks. They also assisted on real ambulance shifts, gaining valuable field experience in triage and on-site support.
Each CER member is now fully equipped with a helmet, fire jacket, gloves, name badge, a class 7 first-aid kit, and a 9 kg fire extinguisher ensuring they’re not just informed, but ready for action.
“The idea is to empower people where emergencies happen first. When you live in the heart of the community, you are best placed to be the first responder.”
The 30 trained responders are now strategically positioned across five informal settlements in the greater Drakenstein area.
Their ability to provide immediate aid, relay critical information to ambulance and fire crews, and prevent unnecessary callouts is already making a tangible difference.
The programme has not only improved response times but strengthened community morale and trust.
“We believe that knowledge without equipment is like a fire truck with no water. Our gratitude goes out to our incredible sponsors, who believed in this vision from day one.”
