Wynand van der Net is a paramedic for ROCKET and he has a quick chat with us about his profession.
How long have you been a paramedic for ROCKET?
Since they started a year ago, in July.
Why did you decide to become a paramedic?
I did first aid in school and really enjoyed it. My mentor asked if I want to do it full time. After I finished school, I went to the Witwatersrand University where I graduated in 1995.
Wynand says to be a paramedic is very rewarding
Also read: What is the best part of your job?
To know, that even if it doesn’t go the way I want it to, I will be there for the patient and the family. It is very rewarding. You just try your best and afterwards you are there for your patient, the family and your colleagues.
Wynand, what is the part of your job as a paramedic you dislike the most?
The politics in emergency services. You just want to be there for your patient.
Is there a specific scene that touched you deeply that you will never forget?
Yes, it is not always easy. It is a moment like when you speak to a man, and he experiences pain chest in that moment. You know what to do, you know how to help him and save his life.
A while ago there were a lot of children drowning and we created awareness of the matter. The awareness that we create then assists the parents in doing something until we arrive. The parents do not realize how much they actually do help until we arrive and are able to save the child’s life.
The relationships that we establish with the hospitals help us to take the patient to the best hospital to be able to receive the best care possible.
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