First responders

My name is Sergio, and I am incredibly grateful to Coastal Kindness for encouraging me to do the Level 3 First Aid Course. Because of their support, I am now an active first responder, something of which I am very proud.

I have a deep love for helping people and this training has given me the skills to do so with confidence. I was trained to use an AED and to administer oxygen, skills that can truly save lives.

I have a strong passion for people, photography, and animals.  I have two dogs, Max and Lucy, and 10 hens.

Photography has been part of my life for many years and allows me to connect with others in a meaningful way. I also have a deep love for running, and although I haven’t run in a long time, it remains very close to my heart.

I have the most beautiful partner, who has the biggest heart and kindest spirit and who is also a first responder.

I am truly thankful to Coastal Kindness for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to give back to my community.

Hi, I'm Lindy. I spend my working day with a vibrant local community of older persons. A Social Worker by profession, I'm passionate about people. Becoming a First Responder is a life-changing experience that stretches far beyond the practical application of first aid. I'm part of an incredible team of individuals who support each other—everyday superheroes. Knowing that someone on the team will answer my 2am phone call and provide support at a scene is special. Learning how to administer oxygen, use an AED, and run a vitals check with confidence, but the greatest blessing for me is the privilege of being a calm and reassuring presence for a human being who needs medical assistance.

Originally from Johannesburg, I study in Makhanda, spending much of my spare time in Kenton and helping in the community where I can. As a trained first responder I can stay calm under pressure, thinking clearly and providing care until an ambulance arrives. I love my community and believe in showing up when it matters most.

I'm Portia Ngxande, Active First Responder in Kenton-on-Sea. With a heart for helping, I'm dedicated to emergency care and spreading kindness in our community. Let's keep our community safe and healthy

I am deeply passionate about my role as an Emergency First Responder supporting the Boknes, Cannon Rock and surrounding communities. I am privileged to be part of this group. Caring for one another, particularly in times of crisis, is what makes a small community strong, and it is an honour to serve in that capacity.

My name is Charmaine Allen, and I am an Active First Aid Responder residing in Boknesstrand. We have a wonderful group of active responders under the leadership of Rozi for whom we absolutely have the highest admiration, including her dedication and calm demeanour at every callout to which we have ever responded.

The reason I became a First Aid responder is that I come from a nursing background, and when I moved to this area, I always wanted to help people who had a need for medical assistance. This is how I became a carer and looked after a lady for 2 years and a doctor for a year. However, I realised that if anything happened to your patient, resulting in his or her death, the very next day you would be out of work and so I went back to the commercial industry and am still currently working in that trade. But I still felt strongly the desire to help people on a voluntary basis and thus the First Aid Responder work is extremely satisfying, allowing one to give back to the community on a voluntary basis. People are extremely grateful for assistance when help is required and there is definitely more happiness in giving than in receiving. So as long I can be of help and assist where there is a need, I am very grateful to be able to do so. With the team we have in Boknesstrand, it makes one extremely proud to be part of all the active responders falling under the Coastal Kindness umbrella of Kenton on Sea, Bushmansriver and surrounds. The continual ongoing training from Gardmed Ambulance Service, who are just saints in my eyes, makes a wonderful opportunity for anyone wanting to be part of an amazing coastal community where you never stop learning and make lifetime friends.

Simone trained as a nurse and midwife in the distant past and thereafter worked at pathology labs and medical aids. She underwent a big career change and began working as an accountant until she retired at Boknes Strand. She still works as a bookkeeper for a small business a few hours a week as well as taking freelance copy-editing work. She also volunteers at the local library twice a month. She joined the Boknes first responders group just over a year ago and has also completed the level three first aid course. For even more relaxation she swims, takes occasional long walks, gardens when there is rain, paints a bit, makes cheese at home and reads a lot.