A team of skilled personnel who seek to make a difference in the prehospital setting.
What is UREMS?
United Rapid Emergency Medical Services (UREMS) is a registered non-profit organisation based in Johannesburg, dedicated to delivering advanced, high-acuity emergency care where it is urgently needed. Our focus is on cases that require skilled ALS intervention, critical-care support, and decisive action in the first moments of crisis.
We respond independently with experienced practitioners and essential equipment, while working seamlessly within the broader emergency network when complex incidents call for collaboration. In a city where serious medical and trauma cases can surge without warning, UREMS strengthens the response by adding specialised, advanced life support capability to the front lines.
Our mission is to serve with excellence, compassion, and purpose — bringing critical care to critical patients, and dignity to every call.
Support Us
Our organisation is a non-profit. Our goal is to treat uninsured patients at no cost to them. However, we must have an income in order to pay for things like personnel, supplies, and equipment upkeep.
You can help us!
No matter what you donate, your contribution has a direct impact on the primary care of critically ill patients, and we are grateful to you!
There are several possibilities, how your donation will support us:
- Cost-intensive material for severe trauma – it is indispensable.
- Our vehicles have to be suitable for any terrain and need fuel and service, so we can stay operational at all time
- Our devices must be maintained to ensure a high level monitoring
Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) Status – Section 18A
As of 4 December 2025, UREMS is officially recognised by SARS as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO).
This means we are now authorised to issue Section 18A tax-deductible receipts for qualifying donations.
Every contribution directly advances critical prehospital emergency care for communities across Gauteng.
In the interest of complete disclosure, click here to see a list of the additional revenue streams we employ
- Material and financial support from local and international partners, including brands that wish to collaborate with us on community impact projects
- Ethical social media partnerships, where we highlight products or initiatives that genuinely support road safety, public education, or emergency medical care
- Development and marketing of educational content focused on road safety, the use of seatbelts, drowning prevention, and other topics relevant to prehospital care
- Collaboration with international medical professionals, including members of ASAMEX, to strengthen clinical excellence and training
- Technology development is managed by an associated private company (PTY), which creates tools and innovations designed to support UREMS’ operational needs. Revenue from this entity will contribute to strengthening the NPO but is not housed under the NPO itself.
United Rapid Emergency
Medical Services
First National Bank
Acc: 63034149848
Branch: 210835
Swift code: FIRNZAJJ
About us
A team of highly experienced paramedics in collaboration with international visitors, dedicated to serve the uninsured community of Johannesburg.
A dedication of duty to critical cases of the uninsured.
EMS is sacred ground.
A battlefield. A mission field.
We are called—not hired.
Appointed, not by chance, but by design.
To enter into the chaos. The trauma. The brokenness.
We step into lives mid-story.
Moments raw, unfiltered.
We find them there—
On the floor.
In the darkness.
In pain. In despair.
In addiction.
In violence.
In silence.
In death.
We kneel beside them.
With hands that heal and hearts that listen.
Not to judge, but to serve.
Not for glory, but for purpose.
We see shame, and offer dignity.
We see fear, and bring peace.
We see despair, and speak life.
Because we were sent.
By God, not man.
To be His hands and feet
In places most would never go.
It’s not just medicine.
It’s ministry.
Not just protocol.
It’s presence.
In moments no one else wants to witness—
We show up.
Because He first showed up for us.
So be faithful. Be tender. Be bold.
This is purpose.
This is worship.
EMS is sacred ground.
A battlefield. A mission field.
We are called—not hired.
Appointed, not by chance, but by design.
To enter into the chaos. The trauma. The brokenness.
We step into lives mid-story.
Moments raw, unfiltered.
We find them there—
On the floor.
In the darkness.
In pain. In despair.
In addiction.
In violence.
In silence.
In death.
We kneel beside them.
With hands that heal and hearts that listen.
Not to judge, but to serve.
Not for glory, but for purpose.
We see shame, and offer dignity.
We see fear, and bring peace.
We see despair, and speak life.
Because we were sent.
By God, not man.
To be His hands and feet
In places most would never go.
It’s not just medicine.
It’s ministry.
Not just protocol.
It’s presence.
In moments no one else wants to witness—
We show up.
Because He first showed up for us.
So be faithful. Be tender. Be bold.
This is purpose.
This is worship.
International Medical Exchange Opportunity
If you want to be part of our medical exchange programme on our critical care response vehicle, please contact our partner ASAMEX. They arrange schedules and shifts.
Buy Your Rhino Rescue Mini IFAK
Only R1500
Courier cost: Additional R60 (national delivery)
1 x Rhino Rescue Mini IFAK Bag (Tan)
1 x Rhino Rescue Tactical Tourniquet
1 x Rhino Rescue Vented Chest seal
1 x Rhino Rescue 4″ Emergency Bandage
1 x Rhino Rescue Compressed Gauze
1 x Combat Tape (5cm x 2.5m)
1 x Crepe Bandage (7.5cm x 4.5m)
1 x Trauma Scissors (19cm)
1 x Pair Nitrile Gloves (L)
1 x Nasopharyngeal Airway 28F
1 x Marker
NB: Does not include patch
Please contact us for more info about the product or payment and shipping.
Buy Your Rhino Rescue Mini IFAK
Only R1500
Courier cost: Additional R60 (national delivery)
1 x Rhino Rescue Mini IFAK Bag (Tan)
1 x Rhino Rescue Tactical Tourniquet
1 x Rhino Rescue Vented Chest seal
1 x Rhino Rescue 4″ Emergency Bandage
1 x Rhino Rescue Compressed Gauze
1 x Combat Tape (5cm x 2.5m)
1 x Crepe Bandage (7.5cm x 4.5m)
1 x Trauma Scissors (19cm)
1 x Pair Nitrile Gloves (L)
1 x Nasopharyngeal Airway 28F
1 x Marker
NB: Does not include patch
Please contact us for more info about the product or payment and shipping.
Contact
Memoir of the Founder
“From Pain to Purpose” is a memoir by South African Karien Naudé, a critical care paramedic with over 24 years of experience.
In Case of a Medical Emergency
If you need medical assistance in the Johannesburg North region, please contact the IER Call Centre on 0861 106 080 — available 24/7. Through our service agreement with them, they will dispatch UREMS or the most appropriate available service to assist you.
For more information about iER click here.
Acknowledging Our Donors and Supporters
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters, donors, and partners — locally and internationally — who make this work possible. Your contributions allow us to reach patients who would otherwise have no access to critical prehospital care.
The growth and sustainability of UREMS would not be possible without the extraordinary generosity, trust, and faithfulness of our supporters. We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr Robert Lewis (INTXIS) and Ms Kerryn Coker, whose significant capital contributions have covered essential operational costs, including insurance and administrative expenses—the foundations that keep our service roadworthy, compliant, and ready to respond when lives are at risk.
We also recognise the many who have kept our critical response unit running and our mission alive through tangible support. Here is the list of our donors / supporters.
Donors
