When Rescue Precision Meets Medical Dedication

ROCKET PR
3 hours ago
3 min read

A novice medic’s view of professional rescue practitioners

Several weeks before our big training exercise, a moment stood out. It was late at night, pouring rain, and our Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team—two pilots, two medics—had just completed a critical patient transfer to Bloemfontein. Standing under a gazebo, soaked and tired, we were greeted not just by our ever-reliable HLO, Frans Human, but also by six burly SARZA FS volunteers. Their presence didn’t just lighten the load—it lifted the mood. That miserable night? It was the beginning of something exceptional.

ROCKET HEMS and SARZA FS rescue simulation

Fast forward to 23 May. Initial conversations sparked the idea of a joint training exercise between ROCKET HEMS and SARZA FS. Two highly specialised teams, two very different worlds, one common goal. All we had to do was fit the puzzle pieces together. SARZA FS members are volunteers—men with day jobs, families, commitments. Yet when asked for numbers, Mr. Braam Korff didn’t say "maybe" or "I’ll see." He said “18,” and 18 it was—committed, reliable, ready. That alone deserves recognition.

With the permissions and paperwork finalised a week before, we were set. Only one thing could derail us—an actual rescue. Both teams remained operational, always on standby, no matter the time or weather.

The Night Before

Despite planning to be in bed by 20:00, I only fell asleep around 00:30. Every scenario ran through my mind—every hiccup, every possibility. I’d never truly appreciated how much effort it takes to coordinate passionate, dedicated professionals. Meanwhile, 165 km away, Mr. Korff had everything—and everyone—under control.

The Scenario for the Rescue

40-year-old male (Mr. Francois “Rooies” de Bruin) falls from a cliff on a motorcycle at 16:00.
Injuries: Suspected left leg, arm, and pelvic fractures.
Friend escapes uninjured but all communication and gear go over the edge with the patient.
EMS is contacted at 20:00 and arrives at 01:00. Rescue attempts fail.
SARZA OFS is activated at 02:00.

D-DAY

“Rooies” arrived at base at 03:43—chilly, cheerful, and ready to act. He added a few twists of his own to the scenario that made me chuckle on the way there. As I dropped him off, I realised just how grateful I was to not be lying alone in the dark bush at 04:00.

Driving Mr. Wimpie Fourie’s response vehicle, I naturally played with the lights and sirens. At 04:45, I flashed my brights at an approaching convoy—only to be met with a train of SARZA FS 4x4s, cruise lights glowing green, imposing and impressive. It felt like welcoming a battalion home. I nervously smiled at each vehicle passing by—met with SARZA FS regalia and calm confidence.

At the farm entrance, Mr. Korff quickly assembled the team. Silence fell. I introduced myself and briefed the team—who, to my surprise, pulled out notepads and took detailed notes. Their questions were sharp and practical. They were here with intent.

Execution

After a brief planning period, gear was packed, vehicles arranged, and we headed out. Radio comms kept us connected all the way to our destination. Arriving at 05:40, we held a short debrief, and I guided Mr. Ian van Straaten, their volunteer photographer, to the vantage point. His presence was a gift—we’d have had only stories without his lens capturing the grit, teamwork, and camaraderie.

Team 1, led by Zietz, got to work fast. I became the “ghost observer,” watching as branches were cleared, anchor points secured, safety checks completed. They moved like a well-oiled machine. By 06:28, Zietz reached the patient. A drone operated by Frans Human spotted Rooies among the trees, and I ran down to assist. The patient was cold but stable—quickly assessed, warmed, and immobilised.

Even a snag with a new piece of equipment was turned into a learning opportunity. The teamwork was seamless, the attitude professional. There were no raised voices, no stress-induced moments—just problem-solving in motion.

Rescue & Airlift

Back at the cliff, the patient was hauled up, secured, and ready for extraction. SARZA members, burdened with full gear, never faltered. As the sun rose, excitement grew. Then we heard it: the HEMS helicopter.

Melissa, ECP, suspended on a 30-meter strop, descended gracefully. The pilots, Louise and Clarita, executed with textbook precision. Green smoke marked the LZ. Melissa signalled the team, and the transfer began like clockwork.

After Rooies was lifted out, SARZA members were extracted in pairs. Their gear was rechecked, carabiners clipped, and soon all were airborne. As the last pair disappeared over the ridge, the exercise officially concluded.

Conclusion

This day—this experience—was more than training. It was a showcase of discipline, adaptability, and true teamwork. SARZA FS, with their calm under pressure and sharp execution, set a bar few volunteer teams can reach. ROCKET HEMS brought precision and professionalism from the air.

Together, they proved: