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12 February 2026 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality  Rolls Out Annual First Aid Level 3 Training Programme

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality  Rolls Out Annual First Aid Level 3 Training Programme

12 February 2026

Annually, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Section delivers a series of First Aid Level 3 training sessions to community member and organisation across the district.

The First Aid Level 3 programme forms part of GRDM Disaster Management’s annual awareness initiative, designed at capacitating both employed and unemployed Garden Routers with life-saving skills. It also empowers individuals, especially in disaster-prone areas such as the GRDM, to remain calm under pressure and respond confidently to medical, injury, or environmental emergencies.

The upcoming First Aid Level 3 Training sessions  for 2026 are tentatively scheduled for:

  • 23 – 27 February 2026
  • 16 – 20 March 2026
  • 20 – 24 April 2026
  • 18 – 22 May 2026
  • 22 – 26 June 2026

Since 2008, the municipality has trained more than 2,000 community members, significantly strengthening local emergency preparedness.

Each training session runs over the course of a week and normally take place once per month.  Sessions are facilitated by experienced GRDM Disaster Management officials at the municipality’s Head Office in George.  On the final day of each session, participants complete a practical examination and are assessed as competent, demonstrating their ability to confidently apply the skills learned.

During the comprehensive training, participants cover both theoretical and practical aspects of first aid, including:

  • Basic principles of First Aid
  • Safety and lawful aspects
  • Patient assessment
  • Basic life support
  • Airway management
  • Treatment of shock
  • Dressing and bandages
  • Injury emergencies
  • Medical emergencies
  • Environmental emergencies
  • Emergency childbirth

The Garden Route District Municipality encourages community members to participate in these vital training sessions to enhance their ability to save lives during emergencies.

Did you know?

  • There is no cost if you complete the training and sign up as a Disaster Management Volunteer. If you do not plan to become a volunteer, the fee is R682.00 (valid until 30 June 2026).
  • Training takes place at the GRDM Joint Operations Centre, 54 York Street, George.
  • Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk
  • Submit completed forms to: gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za
  • For more information, contact:

Gail Bekeer: 044 803 1347
Wouter Jacobs: 044 803 1316

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