Jakes, a rescue worker with a heart of gold
The city's real life superhero doesn't wear a cape, but is armed with medical supplies and knowledge that saves lives
POLOKWANE – With so many disasters hitting the country all at once, it is good to know there are people committed to keeping the rest of us safe during these trying times. one of those is the city’s own hero, Jaco Jakes van Zyl.
Jakes is an ambulance emergency assistant and an intermediate medical search and rescue worker for the Department of Health.
“I wanted to join the air force but ended up doing volunteer work at the Fire Department and later went on to ambulance services. For almost a year now, I’ve only been doing rescue work,” he explains.
“I buy new equipment for the department and go to cases where people are missing, stuck in vehicles, involved in major accidents, or cases where people get lost in the mountains.”
This dedicated father of two explains that he loves his work and it is an absolute passion for him to help others, saying although it is hard work, the work satisfaction is incomparable.
“I work office hours and am on standby after hours and weekends. Even when I’m not on duty, I still go into work to do paperwork or see what I can assist. Some days are busy, others not so much. During the rainy season we are very busy as there are more accidents and drownings. However, big accidents are not only limited to rainy days,” he explains.
He says the best part about his work is the opportunity to help people, some complete strangers and sometimes even acquaintances or friends. The worst part, he adds, are the sadder cases that do not have happy endings such as young children being found raped and murdered or people who lost their lives in an accident.
“He says happy endings are never guaranteed however, “despite the sad cases, every success makes everything worthwhile.”
maretha@nmgroup.co.za
