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Thank-you for your interest in joining the volunteer emergency services based at the Sandton Station (station 15, cnr Grayston/Linden).  Becoming a volunteer in the emergency services is not something that you should undertake lightly - we've drawn up this comprehensive document to give you a bit more information on what is entailed. Read it carefully.

Please note that the information and forms contained in these documents are for persons interested in joining as a VOLUNTEER at the Sandton Station ONLY. Applications received for stations outside of the Sandton area or for full-time positions will be destroyed.

Should you wish to join another station please visit that station for further information. Regretfully we cannot accept applications for “ride-alongs”.

Once you have read this entire document and should you still have any queries; email us on appls@mail.com. This email address is for application queries only - do not submit application documents or other correspondence through this address.

Minimum Requirements

All applicants must meet all of the following requirements (applications which do not meet these specifications will be destroyed) :

1. Must be at least 18 years of age  

2. Be in possession of a valid barcoded South African identity book  

3. Hold at least a matric qualification  

4. Have a valid code B (8) (or higher) drivers license  

5. Have access to their own reliable transport  

6. Ability to communicate verbally; via telephone and radio equipment.

7. Ability to lift, carry, and balance up to 60 kilograms (120 with assistance).

8. Ability to interpret written, oral and diagnostic form instructions.

9. Ability to use good judgment and remain calm in high-stress situations.

10. Ability to be unaffected by loud noises and flashing lights.

11. Ability to function efficiently throughout an entire work shift without interruption (up to 24 hours).

12. Ability to calculate weight and volume ratios and read small print, both under life threatening time constraints.

13. Ability to read English language manuals and road maps.

14. Accurately discern street signs and address numbers.

15. Ability to interview patient, family members, and bystanders.

16. Ability to document, in writing, all relevant information in prescribed format in light of legal ramifications of such.

17. Ability to converse in English with co-workers and hospital staff as to status of patient.

18. Good manual dexterity, with ability to perform all tasks related to highest quality patient care.

19. Ability to bend, stoop, and crawl on uneven terrain.

20. Ability to withstand varied environmental conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and moisture.

21. Ability to work in low light and confined spaces.

Important Considerations 

Before deciding to submit your application we urge you to seriously consider the following points :

1. You should feel you have the right psychological aptitude for all events and situations you may encounter in emergency service work.

2. You will have to sacrifice much of your personal time. Please carefully consider the effect on your family, social, professional and/or academic life.

3. We urge you to carefully discuss your application to the emergency services with your family and friends. It is strongly advised that you allow them to read this document.

4. Persons under 21 require their legal guardian’s written consent to work within the emergency services. It is our policy to liaise and communicate with guardians until volunteers reach the age of 21.

5. Whilst everything possible is done to ensure your safety, by it’s nature all emergency service work is life threatening – you must be prepared to face this risk and it’s consequences.

6. The emergency services are a paramilitary organization and you will be required to fully function and abide by the rules of this structure at all times. All orders must be obeyed immediately and without question. It is possible you will be receiving orders from people who are younger than you.

7. Obviously you must not be squeamish – you must be able to handle extremely bloody and gory situations in close contact.

8. You may under no circumstances liaise or communicate with any organization, member of the public or other person regarding any situations or events you are privy to as a volunteer. Breaches of confidentiality will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

9. Your application does not guarantee selection. We accept only a limited number of applicants.

10. We are restricted to 2 intakes per year – all applicants will be placed on our waiting list. Please bear in mind that a considerable amount of time may pass before we are able to consider your application (possibly months).

11. Applicants who live or work in the Sandton area are favoured.

12. You will be required to perform the same duties and obligations as all volunteers; irrespective of the level of any medical qualifications you may already have. No preferential treatment is given to those with higher qualifications in the field of medicine or emergency medicine. This applies equally to students in these fields.

13. Due to the extensive abuse of our training and equipment resources, volunteers are required to fund part of the cost of training and certain personal equipment. This is non-negotiable and regretfully financial assistance cannot be provided.
    Just as there is a cost (often considerable) involved in starting any new hobby, sport or interest; the same is true for the volunteer emergency services. The personal rewards you receive from being a volunteer far out weigh the costs involved.

Application Process 

Should you decide that you wish to become a volunteer your application will be dealt with in the following manner. Please read this section very carefully and ensure you follow all instructions as listed otherwise your application will not be considered.  

1. To view the application form click here.
   To download the form in PDF format click here. (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

2. Complete the form and place it in a sealed A4-sized envelope together with all of the following documents :
   a) 2 copies of your identity book
   b) 2 copies of your drivers license
   c) 2 copies of all valid and current medical qualifications (if any)
   d) 2 copies of your valid and current HPCSA registration card (if any)
   e) a motivation in 100 words or less explaining why you want to become a
       volunteer 
   f) an abridged copy of your CV for the last 10 years (maximum 3 A4 pages)

3. Submit these documents in one of the following ways :
   a) place in the specially marked wooden postbox which is located outside of the
       main public entrance doors to the Sandton station, corner Linden/Grayston Drive,
       Sandown. Do not leave any documents at reception.
   b) Post to : The Recruitment Officer, Sandton Vol EMS, PO Box 78376, Sandton,
       2146

4. Your name will then be added to our waiting list. 

5. Once we are able to process your application you will be called for an interview with senior officers. Please be prepared to attend more than one interview.

6. Should your interview process be successful you will be required to complete a physical and phobia assessment. It is easily completed by any reasonably fit and able-bodied person. The assessment is held on 2 days – a weekday evening and a Sunday.

7. Before completing the assessment you must submit a full medical certificate completed by a medical practitioner at your own cost. Forms will be supplied.

8. You will be required to sign an indemnity form in respect of the physical and phobia assessment (minors to be assisted by their guardians). Forms will be supplied.

9. After completing the assessment you will be notified if your application has been successful.

   New volunteers are required to attend an induction course held on a Sunday.

We look forward to hearing from you !