They’re the unsung heroes who rush to emergencies, offering help when it’s needed most. But behind the flashing lights and lifesaving skills are everyday people with extraordinary dedication. Meet mother and daughter team, Ellie Farber and Shelley Savage – the compassionate individuals who give their time and energy to keep our communities safe.
Ellie and Shelley, whose call signs are FR64 and FR11 respectively, are both first responders. Ellie’s been with Community Medics since day one, while Shelley joined about eight years ago. They’ve had the privilege of experiencing memorable moments, like witnessing first breaths and sometimes, sadly, final ones. During long ambulance waits, they’ve bonded with families who’ve touched their hearts deeply.
They’ve also been part of the Table View Neighbourhood Watch (TVNW) for a long time and are usually the first ones on medical scenes. Wanting to do more, they joined Community Medics, did the training, and keep upgrading their skills to stay sharp.
Support group
After witnessing some tough medical and crime scenes, they realised people needed more than just emergency care, they needed emotional support too. Packing up and leaving someone alone after a crisis just didn’t sit right with them.
“So, with four others, they started the TVNW Trauma Support group, helping families with practical needs and guiding them through loss,” says Craig von Essen of Community Medics.
Outside of their responder life, Ellie is the creative one – she’s into painting and mosaics. Shelley’s got the travel bug and loves exploring off-the-beaten-path places.
“But, at the end of the day, family is their number one. Their community work is a full-on family affair. They have to be 100% behind us with the hours we put in. Life’s busy, and Shelley jokes that they book shifts together just to hang out.”
Instead of mother and daughter tea dates or lunches, you’ll find them out on patrol or answering emergency calls. Even though their personalities are totally opposite, they have a blast working together.
“We love what we do,” they say.
Ellie used to work with Cape Town Traffic, has an Advanced Driving Skills certificate, and also likes to participate in blind navigators rallies where all instructions are only in braille. Both of them have diplomas in Reflexology and Meridian Therapy. “Shelley has studied Psychology further – and is a huge history and architecture nerd,” Von Essen says.
. As a nonprofit, Community Medics depends on donations, debit orders, and sponsorships to sustain their life-saving work. If you would like to help Ellie and Shelley, as well as the other Community Medics volunteers, send an email to info@communitymedics.org.za or call 087 230 0404.
