UPDATE: Medical student (20) just wanted to help

James Kiggell (20) did not stop to think what might go wrong, when he saw an injured man lying on the road in Darrenwood on 1 September. Instead, the second-year medical student jumped out his car and assisted the shaking, bleeding man until paramedics arrived an hour later.

The man was found bleeding from his nose and legs on the corner of West Street and Republic Road at 5.05pm. One of the first people on scene, Andrew Miller, said that Linden Police and bystanders assisted on the scene, but Kiggell did all the hard work.

“I was waiting at the robot when I saw the man in the road, and a small crowd gathered around him,” said Kiggell, a Linden resident. “I stopped and started the C-Spine [holding the neck straight to prevent injuries]. I also completed a rapid trauma survey to check he was not in any immediate danger.” Kiggell then phoned ER24 and City of Joburg EMS ambulances, which both arrived at around 6.10pm.

The man was rushed to Helen Joseph Hospital for further treatment. Bystanders praised Kiggell, believing that he saved the man’s life. “If it was not for that young man [Kiggell], I don’t know what would have happened,” Miller said. A few police officers, paramedics and bystanders stopped to shake Kiggell’s hand before leaving.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring explained afterwards, “The man had sustained minor abrasions after he was apparently assaulted. Fortunately, the man was not in a critical condition, but the student did aid the man in his treatment.”

Kiggell is currently studying a degree in Emergency Medical Care at the University of Johannesburg, and wants to become a paramedic, either in emergency rescue or disaster relief. “I have always had a passion for going beyond the ordinary to help those in need,” he said. “I feel that if you have the ability to help someone in need, you should. I saw him [the injured man] and just thought I should help.”