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First Aid Level 3 Training

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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09 December 2025 Media Release: GRDM empowered 228 First Aid Level 3 Participants in 2025

Media Release: GRDM empowered 228 First Aid Level 3 Participants in 2025

For immediate release
9 December 2025

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre, this year, presented First Aid Level 3 training to 228 candidates from the Garden Route district. The team facilitated 11 training sessions of which 228 candidates in total were trained.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Marais Kruger, commended the team, as well as those who participated in the training throughout the year and said: “By training 228 individuals in First Aid Level 3, we’ve strengthened our region’s capacity to respond to emergencies at every level. Thank you facilitators and all participants for your participation in the programme. Your willingness to step up, learn, and serve is exactly what builds a safer and more resilient Garden Route,” he said.

First Aid Level 3 Training Sessions conducted throughout the year.

These 11 sessions included learners from schools across the district, different government departments, as well as private companies and individuals, including employed and unemployed youth, but sessions were mostly facilitated to members of the Garden Route Disaster Management Volunteer Corps.

Other groups who benefited from the programme include: the South African Police Service and POPs, lifeguards, officials from the Departments of Forestry, Fishery, and the Environment, as well as Justice, Firefighters across the district, Fidelity Security Guards, GRDM employees including Disaster Management Interns, Unjani Clinic employees, counselors from Legally You and educators, as well as several participants from Early Childhood Development Centres.

The First Aid training is done to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to help themselves and others in emergency situations. The programme consists of three days of theoretical training and a practical exercise on the Thursday where students get the opportunity to practice Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), wound dressings, and other critical first aid skills. On the Friday, the program concludes with a competency test.

The course is open to all, offering a week-long opportunity to gain essential life-saving skills. Upon successful completion where students have to score 80%, they will be issued a First Aid Level 3 course Certification that is valid for a three year period.

The last training session which included 19 enrolled candidates took place from 24 to 28 November 2025, at GRDM’s Joint Operation Centre. These successful candidates will now also be able to assist any person in an emergency.

Among the dedication witnessed by facilitators Gail Bekeer and Wouter Jacobs, together with GRDM Firefighters, many highlights stood out throughout the year. These included strong teamwork, high energy levels, a commitment to understanding various concepts and practical exercises, excellent class attendance, as well as excellent marks of up to 100% by some participants. These are testament of how thoroughly the facilitators prepare themselves to present the course in the best possible manner.

The Level 3 First Aid Training allows members of the public to enroll directly without needing to complete First Aid Level 1 and 2.

There is 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱 if you apply to become a Disaster Management Volunteer!

Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk
Send a completed form to 📧 gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za

𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘: If you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682 (rate valid till 30 June 2026).

Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

📍 Training takes place at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre, 54 York Street, George
📞 Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)

Feature Image: A demonstration during a First Aid Level 3 training session.

ENDS

20 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM continues to roll out First Aid Level 3 Training

Media Release: GRDM continues to roll out First Aid Level 3 Training

20 October 2025

From 13 to 17 October 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Section once again facilitated a First Aid Level 3 training session at the GRDM Head Office in George.

This time around, attendees included lifeguards, principals and teachers from two pre-schools in the Sedgefield area, as well as firefighter contractors, who are preparing for the upcoming fire season.

According to Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “This training is of vital importance because it equips people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them to respond effectively to medical and other emergencies during various incidents.”  He also encouraged citizens within the Garden Route district to contact the Disaster Management Section using the contact numbers provided and submit their details to attend next year’s training sessions.

The next and last training sessions will be on:

10 – 14 November 2025

There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2026).

Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk

Send a completed form to gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za

For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)

Featured Image Caption: Facilitator Gail Bekeer with participants of the First Aid Level 3 training held from 13 to 17 October 2025.

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08 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM acknowledges 31 successful First Aid Level 3 participants during graduation ceremony in Oudtshoorn

GRDM acknowledges 31 successful First Aid Level 3 participants during graduation ceremony in Oudtshoorn

For immediate release
08 October 2025

The Garden Route Disaster Management Centre (GRDMC) at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) believes in building the capacity of ordinary members in our communities to be able to help those in need.

Most often the people closest to the person in need of medical assistance is a close relative, friend of family member and with seconds being the difference between a life and death event, the most basic first aid provided could save a life.

Last night, 7 October 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Oudtshoorn Municipality, hosted a graduation ceremony to acknowledge graduates who underwent First Aid Level 3 and Firefighting for Disaster Management training during September this year.

The ceremony took place at the Bongolethu Thusong Centre in Oudtshoorn. During September month, special emphasis was placed on presenting this course to the community members in Oudtshoorn. Certificates were issued to the first group of 31 students who successfully completed the course.

The course covers a range of topics from the principles of first aid, basic life support, injuries, and medical emergencies and even emergency childbirth. The GRDMC has been providing the training free of charge to all Disaster Management Volunteers over a 4 full day period, with a formal written, as well as practical assessment on the 5th day.

During his address on behalf of Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality, Andrew Stroebel, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM, expressed his appreciation to be part of this significant event, celebrating hard working individuals during this year. Referring to the event as a milestone, Hoogbaard highlighted that “this programme has equipped participants with critical life-saving skills and has restored a sense of hope, dignity, and opportunity to the people of Oudtshoorn”.

Additionally, he extended his sincere appreciation to all partners, trainers, and facilitators who have shared their knowledge and expertise, ensuring that this programme was a success. While also acknowledging the community leaders and stakeholders, Hoogbaard shared his appreciation on behalf of GRDM for their continued support regarding initiatives that empower the people of the area.

Above all, to the graduates Hoogbaard highlighted: “You have worked hard, remained committed, and have set an inspiring example for others. May you continue to use these skills not only to benefit yourselves but also to serve and protect your communities”. In addition, he said: “This achievement is only the beginning – we are proud of you, and we look forward to the positive impact you will make in your families, communities, and beyond. May this event be remembered as the start of even greater things to come,” Hoogbaard concluded.

This celebration, once again demonstrates the powerful outcomes that can be achieved when government and the community work together and remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote safety, skills development, and economic opportunities for all.

Feature Image:Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM (front, 3rd left), Gail Bekeer –  GRDM First Aid Training Facilitator (front, right) and Wouter Jacobs – GRDM First Aid Training Facilitator (back, 4th right), with the graduates who successfully completed the First Aid Level 3 programme.

ENDS

03 September 2025 Media Release:  GRDM rolls out First Aid Level 3 Training in Oudtshoorn

Media Release:  GRDM rolls out First Aid Level 3 Training in Oudtshoorn

3 September 2025

Last week, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) course facilitators Gail Bekeer and Wouter Jacobs trained 30 unemployed young people in Oudtshoorn area. They were joined by GRDM Firefighters.

The GRDM Disaster Management Section throughout the year conducts several First Aid Level 3 training sessions at the GRDM Head Office in George, however, a need for expanding the training to areas outside George was identified as word of the success of the programme spread.  The GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, was subsequently requested by Oudtshoorn’s Mayor Johannes Allers, to also accommodate residents from Oudtshoorn in the training, but in their home town for logistical purposes. According to Andrew Stroebel, “This training is of vital importance because it equips people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them to respond effectively to medical and other emergencies during various incidents”.

In Oudtshoorn, 125 people showed up for the training, but unfortunately only 30 unemployed young people could be accommodated. Samuel Misemengo from the Oudtshoorn Tourism Office, together with the Office of the Oudtshoorn Executive Mayor, shared a call-to-action to WhatsApp Channels, used word-of-mouth, shared messages at the Oudtshoorn Thusong Service Centre, and social media, to inform youth about the training opportunity.

The next training sessions will be on:

06 – 10 October 2025

10 – 14 November 2025

There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2026).

Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk

Send a completed form to gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za

For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)

Photo Caption: Garden Route DM facilitators pictured with unemployed young people who attended the training session in Oudtshoorn.

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13 March 2025 Media Release: First Aid Level 3 Training rolled out monthly at Garden Route District Municipality

Media Release: First Aid Level 3 Training rolled out monthly at Garden Route District Municipality

For Immediate Release
13 March 2025

First Aid Level 3 continues to be rolled out at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Head Office in George. This training is of vital importance because it provides people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them on how to handle medical and other emergencies during various incidents.

The training is conducted by GRDM Firefighters and Disaster Management personnel. According to the Head of Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto, the remaining dates for training during the 2025 calendar year are as follows: 12 – 16 May 2025; 9 – 13 June 2025; 14 – 18 July 2025; 18 – 22 August 2025; 8 – 12 September 2025; 6 – 10 October 2025; 10 – 14 November 2025; and 8 – 12 December 2025.

Earlier today, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, also took a moment to visit students and witness the training being rolled out at the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.

Hoogbaard, during his visit expressed his gratitude to the training staff by saying, “Thank you to Disaster Management and the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services, for sharing your expertise during these training sessions”.

A group of students being trained to become first aid responders.

This course is just one of the monthly sessions rolled out by the municipality. It spans over a period of five days, involving theoretical texts and practical demonstrations.

All participants are taught how to deal with and react to the following scenarios: 

  • Safety and lawful aspects
  • Patient assessment
  • Life Support
  • Airway Obstruction
  • Shock
  • Dressing and Bandages
  • Injury Emergencies
  • Medical Emergencies
  • Environmental Emergencies
  • Emergency Childbirth
  • Transporting a patient
  • And First Aid Kits
Kervin-Lee Gericke, a GRDM Senior Firefighter also played a role in the practicals when he had to be treated by student Chelsea Fort after he ‘broke an arm’. Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard is pictured with them.

Did you know?

There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2025).

  • Training takes place at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre, 54 York Street, George
  • Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk
  • Send a completed form to 📧 gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za
  • For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)

Feature image: MMC Councillor Hoogbaard is pictured with Nontsikelelo Shange who is about to perform CPR on one of the rescue services manikins. Behind her is Emile Conrad, GRDM Snr. Firefighter and Gail Bekeer, GRDM Disaster Management Administrator. 

ENDS