Sukdeo loves to help others
Being a paramedic is a demanding job, but Sanjay Sukdeo loves what he does.
He is an Intermediate Life Support (ILS) paramedic at ER24.
BCT: Why did you become a paramedic?
SS: I have always wanted to do something in the medical field.
After matriculating from Ladysmith Secondary School, in 1994, I worked at a Mr Price store from 1995 until 1999, and then studied at the College of Emergency Care.
I also worked for a government ambulance service until 2008, when I moved to Boksburg, to work for an occupational health company.
In 2012, I started working in an ambulance at ER24.
I then became an ILS in 2014.
BCT: What does your job entail?
SS: Generally, I make sure that everything runs smoothly on scene, ensuring the patient is assessed and managed, and the family of the patient is notified of their condition.
If needs be, I assess and manage the patient, too.
BCT: What are the challenges of the job?
SS: Psychologically, it can be traumatic when dead bodies are lying all over the scene, and it is also hard to assist someone whose loved one was involved in an accident.
BCT: Why do you still choose to be a paramedic?
SS: Being a paramedic means that you have a passion for people and for helping them.
Knowing that I was able to help someone and that they are grateful for the assistance makes it worth it.
BCT: What kinds of calls do you mostly receive?
SS: We respond mostly to accident calls, but it varies from medical cases to shootings.
BCT: How do your shifts work?
SS: I work a 48-hour shift and a 72-hour shift.
My normal shift is between 6am and 6pm, and my standby shift is from 6pm to 6am.
BCT: What kinds of risks or sacrifices do paramedics make?
SS: We drive at high speeds to get to scenes as fast as possible. Our jobs also take a toll on our families.
BCT: How do you balance such shifts and family life?
SS: My wife, Prithi, and children, Samishka (14), Kelita (11) and Yeshkal (nine) Sukdeo are understanding and are a great support system, but I do not mix my work and family time.
BCT: Do you have time for hobbies?
SS: When I can, I gym, braai, fish and participate in sports.
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