Central SA
Free State College of Emergency Care conducts annual helicopter drills─── REFILWE BEKANE 15:00 Wed, 04 Mar 2026
The Free State College of Emergency Care is conducting its annual A109 helicopter training and medical rescue drills at Bophelo House in Bloemfontein.
Starting on Tuesday (3/3), the three-day exercise aims to improve the provincial response to disasters and emergencies. The training involves an aerial manoeuvre where two patients are lifted from the roof into a helicopter waiting above.
Once secured, the patients are transported to Universitas Academic Hospital, performing an evacuation scenario where ground access might be compromised.
The training includes approximately six different exercises scheduled across Bloemfontein. Photo: Free State department of health
The training is described as a commitment to safety led by the college in collaboration with the South African Military Health Services. The drill brings stakeholders together including the South African Air Force, the Free State emergency medical services, Netcare 911 and many more.
Free State health department spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said the training started well as the teams executed a successful medical emergency evacuation.
The purpose of this training is to ensure the operation is ready for any crisis, from fires in flats to floods where rescue methods fail. The training includes approximately six different exercises scheduled across Bloemfontein.
Preparing for the unpredictable
Free State EMS district manager Lukas Basson stood atop the Bophelo House to oversee the release of the patients. Reflecting on the necessity of the exercise, Basson noted while this was a simulation, the skills being learnt are those required when lives are on the line.
“This is what we do when there are floods and disasters,” said Basson, adding they must do these exercises to prepare for incidents, ensuring when a disaster strikes, the response is instinctive.
For many within the department, seeing the A109 helicopter in close quarters was described as a learning experience. As the drills continue through Thursday, the message from the Free State health department is that preparation is the defence against the unpredictable.
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