The Western Cape Government’s frontline medical response has received a significant boost following the graduation of more than 50 new emergency care professionals and rescue technicians from the provincial College of Emergency Care.
The Class of 2025 consists of 43 graduates who have obtained a Higher Certificate in Emergency Care, alongside nine specialised rescue technicians trained to manage complex and high-risk emergency situations. The Western Cape Government says the new cohort is expected to strengthen emergency medical services (EMS) capacity across the province and improve response times in both urban and rural communities.
The College of Emergency Care plays a central role in South Africa’s public healthcare system, with approximately 95% of public sector EMS personnel trained through provincial colleges. Officials confirmed that the latest graduates will be deployed across emergency units in the Western Cape and other regions, where they will provide critical medical care in life-threatening situations.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, commended the graduates for entering a profession that demands both technical expertise and emotional resilience. She noted that emergency care professionals operate in high-pressure environments where rapid and accurate decision-making can have life-saving outcomes.
Established in the 1980s, the College of Emergency Care has expanded its academic and training offerings over the years to meet growing demand within the sector. In 2022, it became the first provincial institution to offer the accredited Higher Certificate in Emergency Care Assistant qualification at NQF Level 5, marking an important milestone in the formalisation of emergency medical training in South Africa.
In 2024, the institution further broadened its academic pathway with the introduction of a three-year Diploma in Emergency Medical Care, aimed at professionalising the sector and strengthening long-term career development opportunities for emergency personnel.
College principal Dr. Kuben Moodley said the training provided to students extends beyond technical medical skills, emphasising the importance of compassion, composure, and patient-centred care during critical emergencies.
The graduation forms part of the Western Cape Government’s broader strategy to strengthen emergency medical services and improve healthcare delivery across the province. As the newly qualified professionals begin their deployment, they are expected to play a key role in enhancing emergency response capacity and supporting communities during medical crises.
