Volunteer rescuers from the Serviço Voluntário de Resgate (Sevor) abandoned New Year celebrations to attend a road accident in João Monlevade, in the central region of Minas Gerais, in the early hours of 1 January. The team was called by Samu at 01:12 to a collision involving a motorcycle and a parked car in the Campos Elíseos neighbourhood.
Brazil volunteer rescuers on duty during New Year
According to the motorcyclist, he was travelling down Rua Azaleia when another vehicle appeared unexpectedly. He attempted a manoeuvre to avoid a direct collision, lost control and struck a legally parked car. Sevor volunteers provided first aid at the scene to both occupants of the motorcycle.
The passenger, a 20-year-old, sustained a blunt cut to a lower limb. The rider, aged 38, suffered a blunt cut to the face. Both were conscious when treated and were transferred to Hospital Margarida for clinical assessment. The Military Police secured the scene and registered the occurrence.
Sevor operates around the clock along the highway that crosses João Monlevade. The volunteer service, which this year marks 25 years of activity, was established when local fire and ambulance resources were scarce. Although there is now a reduced contingent of Corpo de Bombeiros in the area, the organisations act in a complementary manner and request each other when situations demand.
Primarily composed of health professionals, the volunteers carry out roughly 150 attendances a month. The organisation maintains a 1,000 square metre operational base and a fleet that includes four ambulances, two motorcycles and an auto-rescue vehicle equipped for extrication and access to difficult locations. Much of this infrastructure was secured through partnerships with municipal governments, corporate donations and contributions from private individuals.
The team’s rapid response on New Year’s morning underscores the role of community-led emergency services in regions where public resources are limited. Local residents praised the volunteers for their prompt action, noting that Sevor’s presence often means quicker assistance for road victims than would otherwise be available.
Officials reminded motorists to remain vigilant on local roads, especially during holiday periods when traffic and distractions can increase the risk of collisions. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash on Rua Azaleia and have not reported any life-threatening injuries related to this incident.
Sevor’s quarter-century of service highlights how volunteer groups can augment formal emergency systems. Their work emphasises practical cooperation between volunteers, Samu and the fire department to ensure victims receive timely care and transport to medical facilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Volunteer rescuers from Sevor left New Year celebrations to attend a motorcycle crash in João Monlevade, Minas Gerais.
- Two riders were treated on scene and taken conscious to Hospital Margarida; the team reported minor contusions.
- Sevor, celebrating 25 years, operates 24/7 with ambulances and specialised rescue vehicles and handles about 150 calls monthly.
- Brazil volunteer rescuers coordinate with Samu and local fire services and rely on donations and municipal partnerships.
