​The Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) paramedics have won big at the recent Dräger Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge, securing 11 medals and 1 trophy. 
The competition is designed to assess rescue and emergency personnel's abilities to combat real-life emergency scenarios. It features a series of intense challenges including amongst others, Tower Challenge, Overall Toughest Firefighter Challenge, Cross Fit Challenge and specialised rescue simulation using a Confined Space Truck Challenge. 
The Challeng, which was held on 25 July 2024 in the Midvaal Local Municipality, saw the dedicated Green Angels of the Gauteng EMS triumph while going against fire and emergency teams from other provinces and municipalities in the country in a series of intense challenges. 
The accolades won by the Gauteng EMS include 1st place trophy and five (5) Gold medals for the ladies' team, four (4) individual Gold medals and three (3) individual bronze medals. The top winners include Chricious Kubaye who won two (2) Gold medals for Best Ladies Overall Challenge and Crossfit Challenge, and Finny Qhina, Kamo Snyman and Mumsy Maduna who all won bronze medals in the individual categories. 
Malome Ngwato, the team's coach said that his team did exceptionally well against some of the best rescue and emergency personnel in the country. "We are proud of the skilfulness shown by our team members and would like to extend our appreciation to our management for the continued support," he said. 
The Gauteng EMS Medical Rescue Combat Team was formed in March 2023 to participate in medical and rescue-related competitions around the country and as part of a wellness programme and showcasing the skills and capacity of the Green Angels. 
In addition, the team also won big while competing in the Patient Simulation and "Fit to Fight Fire" challenge at Midvaal on the 27 May this year. The formidable Green Angels walked away with 12 medals from the competition which include 3rd place for Patient Simulation, 1st place for the ladies team, 2nd place for the EMS Male Over 40 and 3rd place for the EMS Mixed Team.