- This event has passed.
NATIONAL RESCUE & TRAUMA CHALLENGE 2026
August 12 @ 8:00 am - August 13 @ 4:00 pm
The action is underway in Bredasdorp! 
The Overberg District Municipality Fire Station in Bredasdorp is currently hosting the National Rescue & Trauma Challenge 2026, bringing rescue and emergency personnel together for two days of high-pressure scenarios designed to test and sharpen their skills.
Today, 12 August, teams are competing in the Trauma Challenge, following this morning’s official opening and team briefing. The challenge runs until 16:00.
Tomorrow, 13 August, the focus shifts to Road Traffic Collision (RTC) Extrication, where teams will put their technical rescue, casualty-care, communication and teamwork skills to the test.
These challenges are about far more than competition. They provide an opportunity for emergency responders to test techniques, learn from one another, strengthen teamwork and promote best practice, ultimately contributing to better outcomes when real emergencies occur. International rescue challenges similarly focus on developing proficiency in incident command, safety, physical and medical extrication, pre-hospital care and the effective use of rescue equipment.
This is particularly relevant in the South African context, where vehicle extrication forms an important part of specialised emergency medical rescue. Recent research into Western Cape rescue operations found that hundreds of road traffic collision cases required vehicle extrication, highlighting the importance of specialised skills, training and standardised rescue practices.
The Overberg District Municipality is proud to support an event that places professionalism, preparedness, teamwork and saving lives at the centre of emergency response. 
Today: Trauma Challenge Tomorrow: RTC Extrication Challenge
Members of the public are welcome to come along and watch the action! Come and support the participating rescue teams as they put their skills, teamwork and expertise to the test. 
We wish all participating teams the very best as they put their skills to the test!
Train hard. Work together. Save lives. 