​By Thuso Montwedi 
 
Despite the daily dangers they face in the line of duty, the Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) affectionately known as the Green Angels remain committed to serve the people of Gauteng through prompt response to various emergencies.
This was emphasised during the EMS Family Day held to recognise the bravery, resilience, and the essential role played by the men and women in green in safeguarding the health of Gauteng's residents.
Hosted by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH), the Family Day highlighted the department's commitment to ensuring the safety, mental well-being, and readiness of EMS personnel as they face an increasing wave of challenges, from community violence and growing demand for the service.
Both the department and family members in attendance pledged to continue standing firmly behind Gauteng EMS and supporting their mission to save lives in the province.
Representing the department at the event, Mothomone Pitsi, the GDoH's Acting Chief Director of District Health Services, emphasised the importance of family support for EMS personnel. "We understand that behind every Green Angel is a family that provides the foundation, the strength, and the encouragement they need to serve on the front lines.
"Today is a moment to celebrate that support system and to remind our personnel that their well-being is equally as important as the lives they save on a daily basis," he stated. 
The day was filled with activities intended to promote wellness, including fitness exercises, health screenings, and family games. 
In addition, the department has bolstered its wellness initiatives to support EMS personnel, especially as the festive season approaches, when emergency calls rise. 
According to Reuben Ruiters, Acting CEO for Gauteng EMS, they take over 600 emergency calls on weekends alone, often due to incidents related to trauma and violence, which are expected to increase during the holidays.
For many of the EMS personnel, the demands of the job are compounded by threats of violence. "The violence, criminal threats, and daily trauma we encounter make it challenging to stay positive about coming to work, knowing there's a constant risk of being attacked or robbed," Ruiters explained emphasising that "This substantially contributes to increased absenteeism among staff." 
This sentiment was echoed by Ms. Freddeline Louw, whose husband works in EMS. "It can be quite stressful, and at times I feel anxious, especially when they respond to emergencies in informal settlements without police escorts," she shared, adding that she manages these feelings by focusing on the lives he helps save.
The Gauteng EMS has also taken steps to ensure the safety of its personnel. During high-risk calls in designated Red Zones, including areas affected by protest actions and poor road conditions, EMS crews are accompanied by SAPS escorts to ensure their protection. 
In addition, the recent attacks on EMS workers have led to reinforced safety measures and ongoing dialogues with community leaders to curb the violence
Ndzalama Sondlane, a resident from Tembisa expressed the community's disappointment over these attacks, saying, "It's truly disappointing to see EMS workers being attacked while trying to help. These are people dedicated to saving lives, and when they are targeted, it not only puts them at risk but also delays help for those in need. It's unacceptable." Sondlane emphasised the need for community cooperation to ensure safe, timely access to emergency care.
Despite these obstacles, the crew remains committed to being ready for the festive season. The department has completed rigorous audits of vehicles and equipment, with additional support from newly recruited EMS First Responder interns to boost operational capacity. This preparation is crucial, as emergencies are expected to spike due to road accidents and other incidents during the holiday period.
The Family Day was a reminder to both the staff and the public of the immense value of EMS services. As Pitsi put it, "Our Green Angels are everyday heroes, stepping into life-threatening situations to save lives. It is our responsibility to ensure they can do so with the support they need, both emotionally and physically."
The GDoH has reaffirmed its commitment to improving working conditions for EMS personnel, ensuring that they are not only physically ready but also mentally prepared to face the demands of their role. With increased access to mental health resources through the department's Employee Health and Wellness Programme, EMS workers are encouraged to seek support, so they can continue to "serve with a smile," a genuine smile that stems from well-being.
The event concluded with awards honouring long-serving EMS members, leaving attendees inspired and with a deepened appreciation for Gauteng's Green Angels. The event underlined that, despite the dangers they face, the department and community stand firmly behind them, supporting their mission to save lives in the province.