Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE Convergence Community Emergency Response Team (ConCERT) has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads during the Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces Day long weekend, warning against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Zimbabwe commemorates Heroes’ Day tomorrow, Monday, followed by Defence Forces Day on Tuesday, with the two public holidays expected to result in increased movement of people and vehicles across the country.
ConCERT said motorists should prioritise safety by buckling up, observing speed limits, avoiding distractions and, most importantly, refraining from driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.
“Every life is important. Together we can make a difference,” ConCERT says in its road-safety awareness message, urging motorists to make responsible decisions before getting behind the wheel.
The warning comes as the community-based emergency response organisation continues to strengthen its role in providing pre-ambulance first aid and emergency support.
ConCERT operates a network of trained community responders and a 24-hour control room which helps co-ordinate emergency assistance and link casualties with relevant emergency services.
ConCERT founder Mr Webster Jaricha said the organisation’s work was focused on bridging the critical gap between an emergency occurring and the arrival of professional medical assistance.
“ConCERT exists to save lives by reducing response times at accident scenes. Our trained volunteers are often the first to arrive, providing essential first aid and stabilisation before ambulances and other emergency services take over,” he said.
Public holidays traditionally result in increased traffic volumes as people travel to visit relatives, attend commemorations and participate in social activities, making responsible road use critical.
ConCERT is therefore encouraging motorists who intend to drink alcohol to make alternative transport arrangements or designate a sober driver rather than risk driving while impaired.
Passengers have also been urged to speak up against reckless driving, speeding or driving under the influence.
The organisation has also intensified its community first-aid training programmes as part of efforts to equip ordinary citizens with skills to respond to emergencies before professional help arrives.
In May, ConCERT conducted a First Aid and CPR training programme at Wingate Golf Club in Harare, covering emergency scene management, patient stabilisation, bleeding control and CPR awareness.
It will hold another community First Aid training programme on Saturday, August 22, at Wingate Golf Club, Harare, with the training being offered at a reduced rate to encourage wider participation.
The training is intended to equip members of the public with practical skills that can be used at home, at work, on the road and within communities during emergencies.
Mr Jaricha has previously emphasised that members of the public should only perform first-aid procedures within the limits of their training while waiting for professional medical assistance.
“People should first ensure the scene is safe, alert the relevant emergency services, reassure casualties and only perform procedures they have been properly trained to carry out,” he said.
The organisation’s community training drive comes as it seeks to build a wider network of trained first responders capable of providing immediate assistance during road traffic accidents and other emergencies.
ConCERT has also been involved in several emergency operations this year, including the Budiriro rescue operation, where Mr Jaricha helped mobilise specialist rescuers and co-ordinate volunteer response efforts.
As Zimbabweans observe Heroes’ Day and Defence Forces Day, ConCERT is calling on all road users to play their part in ensuring that the holidays are celebrated peacefully and without avoidable loss of life.
For enquiries on the August 22 community First Aid training, ConCERT can be contacted on 0775 471 922 or 0772 264 159.
