Gary lives for his true calling
Each month the Northglen News will nominate a community hero. This month's hero is Sunningdale's Gary Paul.
WITH his 6.8-foot frame, it’s hard to miss Netcare 911 paramedic, Gary Paul. But one thing for sure is he always puts the community first. A former Northwood School pupil, the 37-year-old is no stranger to accolades in his paramedic career, which has spanned 20 years, but that is not his focus nor is it his motivation.
Northglen News recently caught up with the Sunningdale resident to find out where it all started.
“Both Shaun (my twin brother) and I had a passion for the medical field in high school. Sport, despite my height, was not my passion, nor was academics. I remember getting involved in the first aid field in 1992, and I never looked back.
“I love to interact with people and help where I can. There was a spark and excitement in doing something for someone else. I think that’s why becoming a paramedic was my true calling. I was invited by Northwood to give a talk at their speech day a few years ago, and I made it clear to the pupils: if you find your passion, the world is your oyster,” he said.
Gary is the Netcare 911 regional clinical manager at the uMhlanga base, while his brother is the operations manager for the same company in Ballito.
“It’s extremely rare to have twins involved in the same field. And I have to admit, there is a lot of banter between Shaun and I, but it’s all about healthy competition,” Gary laughed.
“We actively got involved in forming our own medical response service in 1994 in the Durban North area. My dad was our driver; whether it was 1am or 3am, he would drive us to accident scenes. My family’s support has been phenomenal, and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.
Gary, who is also a police reservist, is actively involved in the Durban North community. And many could attest to his superhero status in requiring very little sleep and always being willing to help someone in need, no matter what day of the week it is.
“Five hours is good hours. Sleep is a luxury, especially in this profession. I feel a sense of ownership of the Durban North community. My focus isn’t being recognised. Fame and glory are for glory-seekers. My passion is my community, which I have a lot of love for,” he said.
Knowing your heroes:
Name five words that best describe you: “I would say I’m passionate, determined, caring, motivated and trustworthy.”
What do you think about when you’re alone in your car? “Fizz pops – I always have one with me.”
What makes you angry? “Incompetence, especially when a patient is getting inappropriate care.”
Name one thing we don’t know about you: “I love watching ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’. Every time the people at the office begin gossiping about the show, I always say, ‘Now guys, this is what actually went down on the show’.”
What is your strongest family memory? “Every Sunday for the past 20 years, my brother, my sister and I always have lunch at our parents’ house. We are really close, and Sunday is a special day for the Paul family. It gives us a chance to catch up on the week’s events and recharge.”
