About Us
At Vital First Aid International, we’re passionate about empowering people with the skills and confidence to save lives. Founded by Sandy Swanepoel, an internationally qualified First Aid trainer and nurse, and Joey Swanepoel, a national-level sports coach and sports scientist, our team combines medical expertise with real-world training experience. Together, we’re dedicated to improving safety standards across communities through practical education, quality First Aid products, and accessible learning resources.
Mission
To empower individuals, families, and communities with practical First Aid knowledge, quality safety products, and confidence to respond effectively in emergencies - helping save lives through education awareness and effective preparation.
Vision
To build a safer, more prepared nation where First Aid skills are part of everyday life, and every person has access to the training and tools needed to protect themselves and others.
Meet the Team
We are a passionate mother-and-daughter team united by a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and helping others. Our journey through education and service has shaped a shared vision: to build a safety and First Aid brand that reaches far beyond our borders. While our roots and pride lie firmly in Zimbabwe, our ambition is to become a leading name across Africa and beyond - a trusted source of training, resources, and empowerment. As we grow, we remain committed to giving back to our beautiful country and showcasing Zimbabwean excellence on the global stage.
Owner
Sandy Swanepoel
Sandy qualified as a nurse at the University of the West of England in 2009 and worked in hospitals and private care in the UK before returning to Zimbabwe in 2014. She went on to serve as a nurse, biology teacher and First Aid trainer in a private school, where her passion for teaching grew. In 2019, she flew back to the UK to qualify as a First Aid Instructor and later returned to Zimbabwe and founded Vital First Aid International. Since then, she has trained hundreds of people across a wide range of sectors and continues to lead the organisation with experience and heart.
Director
Joey Swanepoel
Joey qualified as a Sports Scientist at Exeter University in 2008 and returned to Zimbabwe to work as a multi-sports coach and Cambridge Physical Education teacher in various schools. Her sporting career led to national coaching appointments in hockey and rowing, highlighted by being selected as the rowing coach for Zimbabwe at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. Since 2021, she has worked as a personal trainer, and went on to gain her First Aid Instructors qualification in the UK in 2025. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and training experience.