We operate and assist within the boundaries of the Western Cape province and have two main response units in the Peninsula & Winelands, as well as units in the Overberg and Southern Cape (George).
The Off-Road Rescue Unit (ORRU) persons need not be all members of any 4x4 club but are volunteers who utilize their own time and equipment to assist in the event of disaster or search and rescue. We do not normally volunteer for sport and related events. Such events are rather serviced by the 4WDCSA, LCCSA, LRSA or Hamnet.
We have built up an outstanding track record over the years and have played a vital role in saving lives. The unit was not active for some years but it was re-activated some 18 months ago. Our objective is to assist when and where possible and the prime objective is to provide efficient, logistical support either by means of off road transport or communications in wilderness search & rescue operations.
We must be able and trained to transport personnel and equipment in most weather conditions and over difficult terrain. We prefer all vehicles to be equipped with VHF radios (but can also accommodate 29 Mhz radios). With our radios we are able to assist with the relaying of radio communications in difficult areas and between different organisations on land, sea and air.
The bottom line means that the casualty must receive the best treatment and attention possible. ORRU within WSAR works closely with organisations like The Mountain Club of South Africa, National Sea Rescue, Metro rescue services, The South African Air Force as well as the South African Police services. WSAR is on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be called upon by means of a bulk SMS, E-mail or cell phone. Representatives of ORRU take turns to be on standby and in the case of a call out, the person on standby sends out a bulk SMS message to all listed ORRU members. If you are able to respond, you phone the contact or duty person and receive further information from him.
We do not expect of members of ORRU to have duty stints or to do a minimum number of operations per year. It is obvious that the more you do, the more proficient you become.
Regular training takes place with other role players such as NSRI, MCSA, METRO etc. The unit also likes to work closely with Nature Conservation and to assist them when necessary.
Although all this sounds very daunting, it is just another way to enjoy your vehicle and the outdoors, and in the process do something for your fellow citizen.
Wilderness Search and Rescue
www.wsar.co.za
WSAR and its members aspire to provide, or to the best of their ability facilitate, the provision of the highest possible level of medical care deemed appropriate to a patient’s needs;
adhere to the highest standards of medical ethics with respect to patient care, patient confidentiality and patient advocacy, as required by the medical profession and statutory law (HEALTH PROFESSIONS ACT, 1974);
and to actively foster a spirit of Goodwill between all the members of WSAR.
It is constituted in terms of the HEALTH PROFESSIONS ACT, 1974 (ACT NO. 56 OF 1974) and the REGULATIONS DEFINING THE SCOPE of the PROFESSION OF EMERGENCY CARE (No. R48 of 25 January 2002)
It is a joint venture between THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF THE WESTERN CAPE represented by the Directorate: Emergency Medical Services and The Member Organisations of WSAR.
Below is a list of organisations which help in rescue related activities.
The wilderness environment” includes the following natural environments;
- Mountains
- Shorelines
- Rivers
- Kloofs
- Wilderness, non-mountainous areas
- Caves
- Deserts
- Forest
Why should I volunteer?
- 4x4 Owners have a poor public image. This is a chance to prove otherwise.
- Your support can and will make a difference. Safely and quickly, people and equipment can be moved from command or staging areas, closer to where it is required. Food and drinks can be taken to where the action is, or tired and hungry people can be brought back for food and rest.
- You get to drive your vehicle to places you may not normally be allowed to go.
- You are part of the action and really helping.
- Its more fun than watching TV and lasts longer than sex
What do I need?
- An off-road vehicle.
- An ability to drive it skillfully.
- A GPS and the ability to use it.
- A two way radio and a cell phone.
- A basic first-aid kit.
- Suitable clothing for cold and wet weather.
- Whenever you do respond to a call, always come suitably equipped for two days
How do I sign up?
Contact Johann Marais at orru@4wd-wc.co.za.