Staff and Achievements
Sidney Venter, ER24 Regional Manager: Central Region, is responsible for keeping his region running smoothly and efficiently – but for him, nothing matters more than delivering top-quality emergency care.
Passion for emergency medical services
Seventeen years ago, when I first joined ER24, I had no idea how passionate I’d become about emergency medical services. My colleagues often joke that I love this company more than anyone else – and perhaps they’re right! Today I’m responsible for eight branches across a 1 000km region from Upington to Durban, and I still start each day eager to make a difference.
An unexpected path to ER24
My journey into emergency medical services wasn’t traditional. In the early 1980s, being a medic wasn’t considered a career – ambulance crews were often just “drivers.” After military service, I completed a Higher Diploma in Business Management and moved into the administrative side of healthcare, working as a practice manager at a large clinic with a day theatre. Watching EMS crews pick up patients from our clinic sparked my interest in emergency services. I then worked with a courier pharmacy, which was solid work, but lacked the immediate impact I craved. The chance to be on the front lines, where lives can change in moments, drew me into EMS and shaped the path I follow today.
True career calling
When I joined ER24, my role focused on managing operations and keeping the business sustainable without compromising patient care. But something unexpected happened: I decided to complete Basic Life Support (BLS) training in my own time. It completely changed how I saw our work and my place in it.
The moment I started learning about emergency medical care, I was hooked. It wasn’t the “red light fever” that excites many young recruits, as I was already past that life stage. Instead, it was the satisfaction of helping people in their most vulnerable moments. There’s nothing like walking away from a tough call knowing you made a real difference in someone's life.
A few years later, I completed my Intermediate Life Support (ILS) certification. I often say that if EMS had been promoted as a career when I was younger, I would have chosen it from the start.
The best of both worlds
I describe my role as “the Albany Bread” of jobs – I get the best of both worlds! When I'm tired of computer work and office meetings, I can return to the road and work as a medic at events. Whether it’s a high school rugby match, swimming gala, or athletics event, it keeps me connected to the operational side of our work.
As a long-time runner, I especially enjoy working at sports events. There’s an energy to spending the day on a rugby field, ready to help when someone needs immediate care. It keeps me in touch with field operations and gives me firsthand insight into what my teams experience every day. So when staff come to me with concerns, I understand their challenges because I’ve been in their shoes.
Managing the business of saving lives
In my role, my key responsibility is ensuring the region runs profitably without compromising clinical excellence. Every financial transaction crosses my desk, and I track turnover targets and review any areas of overspending. But the most important principle is that profitability must never come at the expense of quality care. My approach is straightforward: Maintain financial health while upholding ER24’s standards and keeping patients’ interests at the centre of every decision.
My biggest focus is on preventing accidents and reducing waste. Encouraging the team to use guides when reversing an ambulance and promoting careful handling of consumables helps the region operate more efficiently. I regularly remind my eight branch managers and their teams that small actions, like mindful use of supplies, fuel-efficient routing, and responsible drug management, make a meaningful difference over time.
Balancing care for different patients is an ongoing consideration. In our region, many patients don’t have medical aid, and once we respond, we’re legally and ethically obliged to provide treatment. ER24 treats and stabilises every patient before transferring them to the appropriate care, whether that’s a government hospital or a private facility, ensuring no one is left without support.
Keeping teams motivated across vast distances
Managing 120 staff across a region of over 1 000km requires thoughtful approaches to motivation and communication. I focus on recognition that is genuine and specific. Using our internal system, I award digital badges to team members who exceed their targets, highlighting exactly what they did well.
When branches achieve their goals, I acknowledge their success in WhatsApp groups so the entire region can see and celebrate their efforts. At the same time, I maintain accountability by addressing areas where standards aren’t met.
I set individual targets for every team member, breaking larger goals into manageable steps. When everyone contributes, the region performs at its best.
How emergency services have evolved
The evolution of emergency medical services over 17 years has been remarkable. Technology has transformed our work, from manual dispatch to automated CAD systems, and from basic gear to advanced diagnostic tools. Today’s ambulances are far more sophisticated, and Department of Health regulations ensure every service meets the same equipment and staffing standards.
Why ER24 remains the best choice
I firmly believe ER24’s slogan says it all: “Real help, Real fast.” We simply are the best in the business. Our rigorous hiring process ensures that we have well-trained staff. Our equipment is state-of-the-art. Our uniforms are professional. Our protocols are stringent.
But beyond this, what sets ER24 apart is our unwavering commitment to treating every patient with dignity and providing the best possible care.
Reflecting on my journey in emergency medical services, I’m grateful for the path that brought me here. Every day offers challenges and opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. Whether reviewing budget reports or walking the sidelines of a rugby match with my medical kit, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.