First aid course for rangers
‘For the first time ever, there is a tactical first aid capability across Kruger National Park'
IN celebration of World Rhino Day (22 September), StopRhinoPoaching.com recently completed one of its most significant projects yet.
Through a collaborative effort with ER24, Jacaranda FM, CTM and medical supply company MedDev, 205 Kruger rangers, including section rangers and the Air Wing, underwent ER24’s Tactical First Aid Course.
In addition, 145 specialised trauma packs kitted for managing gunshot wounds and heavy bleeding were deployed and each person on the course was given a tourniquet.
‘For the first time ever, there is a tactical first aid capability across Kruger National Park,’ said Founding Director of StopRhinoPoaching.com, Elise Daffue.
‘Earlier this year saw the first Kruger ranger being shot by poachers. He and his fellow rangers had attended the ER24 course and as a result, knew how to manage the gunshot wound. The group had the right kit to do so, thereby saving the ranger’s life.’
StopRhinoPoaching.com, founded in 2010, initially meant to be an independent web-based platform dedicated only to raising much-needed awareness and support for the war against rhino poaching.
‘What started off as a web-based platform focusing on credible content and awareness, soon turned into a full-time responsibility of managing donations and supporting rhino reserves,’ said Daffue.
All the organisation’s projects are focused on rhino protection, starting with the basics and then, helping to build capacity.
Poaching
Speaking about the extent of rhino poaching in SA, Daffue said that it is not going to be a short-term problem with a quick fix.
‘The reality is that our rhinos are being heavily targeted by organised crime syndicates – well connected criminals with well-developed networks. To them, rhino horn is just another commodity to make a lot of money. Gaining ground is going to take a long-term commitment at every level. I believe that the commitment thus far is paying off,” she said.
Daffue said that the escalation of poaching between 2008 to 2014 was alarming. Rhino reserves around the country mobilised and massive investment went into protection strategies. Through lessons learnt and shared, by the end of 2015 the statistics showed, for the first time, a slight decrease in the figures.
‘While every rhino life lost is one too many, this small victory is testimony to the tremendous efforts being made, especially when one gauges this crisis in the context of the crime threat we are facing and considers the ruthless and flexible nature of the poachers.’
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