In the picturesque town of Howick, a remarkable venture took its first breath on 15 September 2017. St Michael’s Ambulance Service emerged, not as a mere emergency response unit but as a holistic healthcare initiative aimed at serving the Midlands community. From its inception, the organisation has blended cutting-edge technology with heartfelt compassion, setting a new standard for private ambulance services.
St Michael’s headquarters, often referred to as a “Home Away from Home”, reflects this ethos. It’s more than just an emergency control and dispatch centre — it’s a hub of excellence, where paramedics don both medical expertise and unparalleled friendliness like badges of honour. Available 24/7, these professionals are rigorously trained to work under pressure, making sure they arrive at the scene equipped both technically and emotionally.
What makes St Michael’s stand out is its range of services. Beyond urgent medical care, the organisation offers invaluable community services such as first aid training, long-distance patient transfers, and specialised event medical services. They even extend their nurturing touch to the community through free monthly wellness checks at St John’s Village Lifestyle Centre and weekly sessions at the Amber Vally Markets. They are also frequently present in schools and pre-schools, conducting health and safety talks on topics ranging from how to safely cross the road to stranger danger and what to do in emergencies.
These sessions aren’t just checkmarks on a community service list – they’re life lessons imprinted onto young minds, leaving kids with lasting memories and empowering them with the knowledge to make safer choices. The impact of all these initiatives is far-reaching. Testimonials from grateful parents attest to the value of such educational visits, citing instances where their children have applied lessons learned during emergencies. The wellness checks have become anticipated community events, where people not only get a snapshot of their health but also take proactive steps to improve it. These initiatives align perfectly with the ethos of St Michael’s — making their impact felt far beyond the walls of their Home Away from Home in Howick.
Behind this tapestry of services is a dedicated team of professionals, namely Melvin Thompson (Operations Manager), Donae Thompson (Office Manager), Sihle Molefe (Intermediate Life Support Medic), Zukisani Mangumta (Intermediate Life Support Medic), Brenda Dlamini (Basic Life Support Medic), Tatiana Le Roux (Basic Life Support Medic), Karlin Mahadave (Basic Life Support Medic), Suvier Maganlal (Intermediate Life Support Medic), Robert Radebe (Advanced Life Support Medic), Benedictus Ngubane (Basic Life Support Medic), and Livingstone Gulukunqu (Basic Life Support Medic). All of the medics are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Their commitment goes beyond the call of duty. Don’t be surprised if you find them changing a flat tyre for a stranded motorist!
July 2023 marked a significant milestone for St Michael’s Ambulance Service. They announced a strategic partnership with Mi7 National Group, a premier security and emergency medical services provider in South Africa. The alliance aims to pool resources to deliver more coordinated and efficient emergency responses. Spanning areas from Drakensberg to Cato Ridge, this collaboration is set to redefine the standard of emergency care by reducing response times and expanding coverage.
But the partnership doesn’t end there. It also broadens the reach of Mi7’s innovative Community Wellness Programme, offering free health assessments conducted by trained nurses at various community gathering spots. Corporate training initiatives will also see an enhancement, opening doors to crucial medical training for more businesses.
St Michael’s Ambulance Service embodies more than just emergency care. It represents a philosophy of comprehensive well-being. This focus on compassionate, respectful, and courageous service is a promise and an ongoing commitment. In essence, St Michael’s Ambulance Service isn’t just a healthcare provider; it’s a pillar in the Midlands community – a symbol of unwavering commitment and care that serves as a lifeline, offering hope and assurance when it’s needed the most.
065 391 1911