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28 June 2024
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'Waymaker': Honouring ambulance heroes and leaving a legacy for EMTs
https://www.primediaplus.com/2024/06/24/waymaker-honouring-ambulance-heroes-and-leaving-a-legacy-for-emts
As a first responder, you never retire, says Ivan Koopman, retired Emergency Medical Services Operator and author of 'Waymaker'.
Clarence Ford interviews Ivan Koopman, retired Emergency Medical Services Operator and John Bester, one of the first coloured men to be made an officer in the Cape Ambulance Rescue Services back in 1974.
Members of the ambulance services are the unsung heroes who tirelessly provide critical care in moments of crisis.
Despite facing numerous challenges, both physical and emotional, these dedicated professionals steadfastly deliver medical expertise and comfort to those in need.
Among these heroes are Koopman, who began his career in 1981 and Bester, one of the first coloured men to attain officer rank in the Cape Ambulance Rescue Services back in 1974.
Reflecting on his experience, Koopman notes that while medical equipment has become more sophisticated since 1981, areas like Cape Flats still remain fraught with violence and tragedy, aspects he hoped would have improved over the years.
Koopman wears many hats and his latest book, 'Waymaker', serves as a homage to the unsung heroes of the ambulance services, veterans, and pioneers of emergency care.
Through this book, they share their experiences and leave a legacy for future emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Despite the passage of time, Koopman acknowledges that certain emergencies continue to haunt him, and writing this book has provided a therapeutic release from some of that trauma. "It still haunts you."
Bester emphasises the critical importance of mentally switching off between patients. Failing to do so, he explains, can have life-threatening consequences for the next person requiring care. "If you don't take your job seriously, it's worthless."
Source: Cape Talk
Quote of the week
“In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” ~ Max De Pree
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Enjoy the read!
Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
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Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
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As a first responder, you never retire, says Ivan Koopman, retired Emergency Medical Services Operator and author of 'Waymaker'.
Clarence Ford interviews Ivan Koopman, retired Emergency Medical Services Operator and John Bester, one of the first coloured men to be made an officer in the Cape Ambulance Rescue Services back in 1974.
Members of the ambulance services are the unsung heroes who tirelessly provide critical care in moments of crisis.
Despite facing numerous challenges, both physical and emotional, these dedicated professionals steadfastly deliver medical expertise and comfort to those in need.
Among these heroes are Koopman, who began his career in 1981 and Bester, one of the first coloured men to attain officer rank in the Cape Ambulance Rescue Services back in 1974.
Reflecting on his experience, Koopman notes that while medical equipment has become more sophisticated since 1981, areas like Cape Flats still remain fraught with violence and tragedy, aspects he hoped would have improved over the years.
Koopman wears many hats and his latest book, 'Waymaker', serves as a homage to the unsung heroes of the ambulance services, veterans, and pioneers of emergency care.
Through this book, they share their experiences and leave a legacy for future emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Despite the passage of time, Koopman acknowledges that certain emergencies continue to haunt him, and writing this book has provided a therapeutic release from some of that trauma. "It still haunts you."
Bester emphasises the critical importance of mentally switching off between patients. Failing to do so, he explains, can have life-threatening consequences for the next person requiring care. "If you don't take your job seriously, it's worthless."
Source: Cape Talk
Quote of the week
“In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.” ~ Max De Pree
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine.
Read it, use it and share it!
Read the latest magazine: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-vol-7-no-3.html
FRI magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-archives.html
Enjoy the read!
Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
Websites
www.fireandrescue.co
www.frimedia.org
www.facebook.com/FireandRescueInternational
www.twitter.com/FRI_magazine
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-raath-brownie-16668065/