Events

ER24 teams working at events plan carefully to ensure swift and effective medical response when it matters most.

When you attend a major event, you can feel confident knowing a skilled EMS team is ready to handle any medical emergency.

But to do their job properly and legally, they must follow strict regulations and set up a safe zone at the event that meets all requirements, explains ER24 National Events Manager André Bronkhorst. Here’s how ER24 ensures events are compliant with legislation and how teams create a safe zone for emergencies.

What is legislative compliance and how does it work?

Bronkhorst explains that legislative compliance encompasses national laws, local regulations, as well as guidelines from sports bodies. These rules are mainly for event organisers, who must follow them to keep spectators and participants safe during the event. This includes having a properly registered and staffed emergency medical services team. If they don’t, the repercussions could be serious. “Failure to comply can lead to legal liabilities and jeopardise the safety of the event,” he warns.

As a leading EMS service provider in South Africa, ER24 ensures it meets the legislative compliance guidelines, such as:

1. Being properly registered and licenced to provide emergency medical services.

2. Having competent, experienced staff trained in Advanced Life Support, Basic Life Support, Paediatric Life Support, International Trauma Life Support, skills refresher training, and CPR refresher training for specific protocols.

4. Having ambulances and response vehicles with the latest medical equipment and supplies for immediate treatment.

5. Creating detailed emergency response plans designed specifically for each event's needs.

6. Collaborating with event organisers to understand the venue layout, crowd size, and possible risks.

Setting up a safe zone

“An ER24 safe zone is a special area set up at events to make sure emergency medical teams can work safely and efficiently,” says Bronkhorst. A well-planned safe zone helps EMS teams respond quickly to emergencies and provides a clear space for them to do their job.

But setting up a safe zone isn’t always easy. The size of the event, the venue, and the crowd all play a role. Bronkhorst explains that some events are more challenging because of large crowds, difficult locations, or changing weather. Nighttime events, for example, can make emergency response harder due to poor visibility, even if the safe zone is well-placed.

By planning ahead and considering each event’s unique needs, ER24 can improve both safety and compliance.

“Why we love working at events”

Three ER24 paramedics share their passion for working in the field of events:

Marnis Van Heerden, Specialised Medical Services Coordinator – Central Specialised Medical Services

“The Events department is a very challenging environment. We’re constantly busy, which is great for a mind like mine. I have multiple occupational health and safety (OHS) qualifications as well as various sports-related certificates. I’m also currently doing an extensive FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine.

“My favourite event to work is a mountain-bike race called the Munga, which takes us deep into some of South Africa’s most breathtaking and remote landscapes. This event pushes the limits of the participants, and the medical team requires a deep understanding of rural and wilderness medicine.

“I chose the Events department because it challenges my medical knowledge while allowing me to use my expertise in emergency response and nursing care. It also offers unique challenges beyond the typical EMS role, such as conducting pre-event risk assessments and providing real-time medical care at major events.”

Lebo Tumisang – Specialised Medical Service Co-ordinator Sandton

“Events bring their own challenges, like last-minute logistical changes, legal and liability policies, and managing medical services in large crowds. But thankfully I enjoy managing in high-pressure situations and solving problems on the spot, which makes these challenges exciting for me.

“I’ve always had a strong desire to help people, especially in situations where they need immediate care or support. One of the best aspects of working at events is knowing that you play an important role in the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.

“We handle all kinds of events, from concerts and festivals to sports and outdoor gatherings. My personal favourites are conferences and conventions because they also give us a chance to network and promote ER24.”

Dekker Coetzee – Specialised Medical Services Co-ordinator ER24 Corporate Office

“I love the excitement and unpredictability of events. There’s always something new to figure out, making each day different. This job is fast-paced and requires creativity and problem-solving. Events need careful planning, coordination, and quick thinking, which keeps me on my toes.

“One of the best parts of the job is experiencing live events up close. There’s a special energy – whether it’s the crowd’s excitement at a concert or the intensity of a sports match. Music festivals, in particular, have a lively, high-energy atmosphere and bring together people from all backgrounds, creating a great sense of community.

“I would love to cover a Springbok match at one of our iconic stadiums. The size, the energy, and the mix of people make these events exciting and create an incredible atmosphere to work in!”