FACILITATOR GUIDE
Response-Time Policy in Gauteng EMS
From Policy Design to Frontline Implementation
Session 1 of the EMS Public Policy Training Series
Recommended duration: ~115 minutes (just under 2 hours) | Format: In-service / small-group training
Developed by Sanelisiwe Sibongile Mngomezulu
, Session Overview
This session introduces frontline supervisors and EMS staff to the basics of public policy and applies them
directly to a live, high-stakes problem: ambulance response times in Gauteng EMS. Participants will be able to
talk about response-time performance not just as an operations issue, but as a policy issue with defined actors,
processes, and levers for change.
Learning Outcomes
• Explain public policy in plain language.
• Distinguish policy decisions from routine operational decisions.
• Map an EMS response-time problem through the policy cycle.
• Identify the actors who influence response-time policy.
Who This Session Is For
Station officers, shift supervisors, training officers, and any staff who sit between frontline operations and
management decision-making. No prior policy background required.
Materials Needed
• Slide deck: Session 1 Public Policy Process 2026
• Printed or projected Problem Tree Analysis worksheet (slide 5)
• Flip chart or whiteboard for group activity report-backs
• Knowledge check handout (Appendix A) one per participant
• Certificate of completion (Appendix B) one per participant, filled in after the session
Suggested Timing
Segment Time Format
Welcome, context & learning outcomes 10 min Facilitator-led
The policy cycle & why EMS needs public policy 15 min Facilitator-led + discussion
Response-time case: the Gauteng problem 15 min Facilitator-led + discussion
Problem tree analysis walkthrough 10 min Facilitator-led
Types of policy & legitimation pyramid 15 min Facilitator-led
Good governance principles vs. EMS reality 10 min Facilitator-led + discussion
Group activity: policy problem scenario 25 min Small groups (4-5) +
report-back
Knowledge check 10 min Individual, self-graded
Wrap-up & key takeaways 5 min Facilitator-led
Developed by Sanelisiwe Sibongile Mngomezulu
Response-Time Policy in Gauteng EMS
From Policy Design to Frontline Implementation
Session 1 of the EMS Public Policy Training Series
Recommended duration: ~115 minutes (just under 2 hours) | Format: In-service / small-group training
Developed by Sanelisiwe Sibongile Mngomezulu
, Session Overview
This session introduces frontline supervisors and EMS staff to the basics of public policy and applies them
directly to a live, high-stakes problem: ambulance response times in Gauteng EMS. Participants will be able to
talk about response-time performance not just as an operations issue, but as a policy issue with defined actors,
processes, and levers for change.
Learning Outcomes
• Explain public policy in plain language.
• Distinguish policy decisions from routine operational decisions.
• Map an EMS response-time problem through the policy cycle.
• Identify the actors who influence response-time policy.
Who This Session Is For
Station officers, shift supervisors, training officers, and any staff who sit between frontline operations and
management decision-making. No prior policy background required.
Materials Needed
• Slide deck: Session 1 Public Policy Process 2026
• Printed or projected Problem Tree Analysis worksheet (slide 5)
• Flip chart or whiteboard for group activity report-backs
• Knowledge check handout (Appendix A) one per participant
• Certificate of completion (Appendix B) one per participant, filled in after the session
Suggested Timing
Segment Time Format
Welcome, context & learning outcomes 10 min Facilitator-led
The policy cycle & why EMS needs public policy 15 min Facilitator-led + discussion
Response-time case: the Gauteng problem 15 min Facilitator-led + discussion
Problem tree analysis walkthrough 10 min Facilitator-led
Types of policy & legitimation pyramid 15 min Facilitator-led
Good governance principles vs. EMS reality 10 min Facilitator-led + discussion
Group activity: policy problem scenario 25 min Small groups (4-5) +
report-back
Knowledge check 10 min Individual, self-graded
Wrap-up & key takeaways 5 min Facilitator-led
Developed by Sanelisiwe Sibongile Mngomezulu
