Born and bred in Sebokeng (in the Vaal-Vereeniging area), I was raised by a single parent. We had to accept our circumstances, and be thankful for what we had.
In 2010 I got an opportunity to study to become a BAA (Basic Ambulance Assistant) at the School for Military Health Training (SAMHS). I completed my studies.
In 2014, I became the victim of a hijacking. As I lay there, injured, I realised how important First Aid and first response really is. People were standing all around me, screaming, but none could help me. It took an hour for an ambulance to arrive. The relief you get when you see medics coming is indescribable. Because stopping the bleeding brings life back.
The relief you get when you see medics coming is indescribable.
It was during that experience that all of this started. The pain of waiting for an ambulance for more than an hour … I said to myself, ‘You know what… I’m going to be a mobile ambulance, everywhere I go, so that I can always help when others need medical response.’ I bought a jump bag (a kit that that contains equipment you can use to save lives in an emergency), and a nebuliser machine (for asthmatic people).
Because the SAMHS training only operates within the military I had to re-do the course in 2016. And then I started my volunteering work at the Lesiba Ambulance service. 
I remember one time: I was on my way to a friend’s place. There was a hijacking of a courier van. The two victims jumped from the back of the van. Luckily that is the route I travel. The old man had a laceration on his forehead. The other guy had a fractured arm. I managed to dress their wounds, stabilise them, and call an ambulance.
In such a moment you feel like saying to bystanders, ‘take a photo of me please’, but unfortunately that is not possible when there are lives at stake.
I managed to dress their wounds, stabilise them, and call an ambulance.
Medics are so important. Imagine being hit by a car and 20 people just staring at you, taking photos, without anyone attending to you. Waiting for an ambulance that will take an hour to come. I wish we could have First Aiders everywhere, if not Medics.
I wish for us to spread kindness, love, and gratitude within this movement. The response I got to the post my friend submitted to the #ImStaying Facebook group was so overwhelming. I wish this could happen to everyone … Imagine how beautiful this country will be.
Edited By: Alison Zimmerman
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