In a renewed spirit of collaboration between the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the South African (SA) Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS), two fourth-year Emergency Medical Care students recently participated in a special outreach flight to Ulundi as part of AMS’s “Flying Doctor Service.”

The initiative, which forms part of AMS’s broader aeromedical and outreach operations in KwaZulu-Natal, saw the students, Ms M Kwaso and Ms A Blose  deliver a refresher session on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to healthcare providers in the paediatric ward at Ulundi Hospital. The timing of the visit aligns with preparations for World CPR Day in October, emphasising the importance of lifesaving skills in clinical settings.

Giving insight into the event, Amy Lagesse: Lecturer of Emergency Medical Care and Rescue Department,  said that during the morning session, the students revised key CPR algorithms and engaged in scenario-based training, working collaboratively to simulate emergency responses. “Their efforts aimed to reinforce critical resuscitation protocols among hospital staff, ensuring readiness in paediatric emergencies. This outreach opportunity not only provided hands-on clinical experience but also aligned with DUT’s strategic vision, ENVISION2030, by fostering engaged student learning, community impact, and professional readiness. Exposure to real-world emergency scenarios and inter-professional collaboration equips paramedic students with the confidence, competence, and compassion needed to thrive in South Africa’s dynamic healthcare landscape,” she said.

As DUT continues to strengthen partnerships that enhance experiential learning, initiatives like this outreach flight serve as powerful examples of how academia and service providers can work together to uplift communities. The success of this collaboration highlights the value of responsive education and the importance of preparing students to meet real-world challenges with skill and purpose.

The students are now in Kokstad district hospital to provide refresher CPR to the emergency department doctors and nurses. This has now become a weekly service where DUT students will go with the flying doctor service to provide inboard updates training.

Pictured: DUT students are all set for delivering a refresher session on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to healthcare providers.

Amy Lagesse