Life 24’s Andy Gill will be missed
Whoever found themselves in a medical emergency and ended up in the back of an ambulance, can immediately recall respected paramedic, Andy Gill (52), who was always ready to assist.
Grave news was received the past week that Gill had died at his home on Monday 17 July.
According to his colleague, Marlene Conradie, Gill died of natural causes.
At the time of his passing, Gill worked as an operational manager for Life 24 Ambulance Services in Marble Hall.
Born Andrew David Jack Gill in 1970, Gill would later in life become a true hero as he was privileged to save many lives.
He began his career at the Johannesburg Emergency and Fire Services in 1989, after which he was promoted to the Randburg Fire and Emergency Services until 1997.
Conradie says Gill started as a basic life support medic in 1990, finished his ambulance emergency assistant course in 1993, and finally qualified as a paramedic in 1995.
Between 1997 and 2006 he was part of the Wings Aeromedical Paramedical Service in Bristol, England, as well as Medical Support Solutions (joint military commission) in Sudan and the Europe Assistance team in Russia.
After returning to South Africa, he worked for the Western Gauteng Emergency Medical Services, Netcare911 at Lonmin Platinum, SRQ Academy of Emergency Services — Advanced Paramedic Assist (APA).
The Covid-19-pandemic was an especially difficult time for most paramedics like Gill, as they were often first responders and were often on their way to Gauteng with a dire sick patient, not knowing which hospital had a vacant bed.
Gill will be remembered for his knowledge of emergency treatment and procedures. Also, was a mentor, friend, and father to his adopted son, Hain Prinsloo, who followed in his footsteps. He and Prinsloo were inseparable.
Die Pos and Gill regularly worked together on health and emergency-related matters. Gill was an animal lover and keen angler.
“He was a man who dedicated his life to save the lives of so many people, yet his own life was taken by God. Andy leaves a formidable legacy behind for which we all shall honour him. Our sincere condolences to Hain and family. Rest in peace brother, God bless,” said Paul Mathews, chairperson of the Roodepoort neighborhood watch.
No funeral arrangements were finalized at the time of going to press.
