Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa

30/10/2026

Have a look at this amazing act of heroism

30/10/2026

Amazing story

As we were heading off to lunch yesterday, a patient came in complaining of severe chest pain. His heart was in trouble. We gave him initial treatment, called the cardiologist and summoned Gardmed. Within minutes, Rohan arrived as first response, while we awaited the ambulance itself. Just 20 minutes after he arrived, our patient arrested. It was a well-chosen place to arrest, with 3 doctors, a professional nurse and a paramedic on hand and most importantly, a defibrillator. 3 shocks later, and some other treatment in between, our patient was back to breathing by himself, with a properly beating heart. We're pleased to report that he now has a stent in the blocked artery, and hoping to be discharged soon. It's not every day that happens. A huge shout out to Ambulance Service for their help!

29/10/2026

Best Care Emergency Medical Service shares some pretty important numbers with us on

WORLD STROKE DAY 2026 | WHEN EVERY MINUTE MATTERS!

Time is brain. Every minute saved can make a difference.

On World Stroke Day, Best Care Emergency Medical Service takes a moment to recognise one of our proudest clinical achievements, our commitment to rapid stroke recognition, early hospital notification and coordinated access to emergency CT imaging.

Over the years, our teams have worked alongside receiving hospitals to reduce unnecessary delays between identifying a suspected stroke and accessing critical diagnostic imaging.

OUR STROKE RESPONSE ACHIEVEMENTS 🧠🏆

Through our previously documented benchmark cases, we have achieved:

14 minutes – Fastest recorded Door-to-CT Scan time.

19 minutes – Average Door-to-CT Scan time across our documented benchmark cases.

20 minutes – EMS notification to CT Scan in one of our remarkable coordinated responses.

Door-to-CT admission – Most recently achieved at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, demonstrating the importance of early recognition and effective communication.

These achievements are not simply numbers on a clock. They represent preparation, teamwork, clinical decision-making and a shared commitment to giving stroke patients timely access to potentially life-saving care.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the medical teams at Netcare Montana Hospital, Eugene Marais Hospital and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, whose cooperation, preparation and commitment to coordinated patient care have contributed to these achievements.

We are equally proud of our dedicated paramedics, whose ability to recognise suspected strokes early, communicate clinical findings and activate receiving facilities before arrival plays a vital role in reducing delays.

A successful stroke response does not begin at the hospital door. It begins the moment a paramedic recognises the signs and initiates the appropriate response pathway.

On this World Stroke Day, we reaffirm our commitment to improving pre-hospital stroke care, strengthening hospital partnerships and continually challenging ourselves to deliver faster, safer and more effective emergency medical services.

Because when it comes to stroke, every second counts, every decision matters, and every patient deserves our best.

29/10/2026

World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors.

22/10/2026

An Exciting Milestone in Resuscitative Care in South Africa!

Today marks an important and exciting step forward in paediatric resuscitation training as we launch our latest educational offering: the PALS Extended Program (PALS-EP).

The PALS-EP course will soon be available across Southern Africa, bringing enhanced learning opportunities to healthcare professionals involved in the care of critically ill and injured children.

Building on the strong foundation of the existing PALS course, PALS-EP offers a more in-depth exploration of current literature, evidence-based practice, and advanced clinical skills. The program is designed to further develop the knowledge, critical thinking, and practical competencies required by advanced healthcare providers managing complex paediatric emergencies.

This initiative represents an important advancement in resuscitation education, with the ultimate goal of strengthening clinical practice and improving outcomes for critically ill children.

Advancing knowledge. Enhancing skills. Saving young lives.

Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming availability of PALS-EP in Southern Africa!

19/10/2026

More CPR- Tech.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1V9fZFY1ps/?mibextid=wwXIfr

18/10/2026

Situational awareness
Curiosity
Quick thinking
Quick action
Trained bystanders
Resources available

All in collaboration to save a life.

17/10/2026

Former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff met up with SafeBeat Training Co. at the Whale Coast Mall in Hermanus, during the launch of his book: Kitsie, Memoir of a Bomb-Squad Bok, and also took to his knees to refresh his CPR skills.

Featuring in these photos:
SafeBeat Training Co. and owner Madelein Swarts
Steven Kitshoff
Matthew Pearce
Claude Geldenhuys

Photos by: Sarah Taylor

World Restart a Heart Day

17/10/2026

Choking emergency claims 50-year-old

Get trained!

Mossel Bay Woman Tragically Dies After Choking Incident

Daréne Langenhoven, a 50-year-old businesswoman from Danabaai, died after choking on a piece of meat at her parents’ home in Gouritsmond. Her family has shared heartbreaking details of the incident.

Full story in comments

17/10/2026

Today is World Trauma Day!

World Trauma Day is observed annually on October 17 to raise awareness about the high rate of accidents, injuries, and preventable deaths worldwide, and to highlight the importance of timely emergency medical care.