Jewish Life Digital Edition September 2015 | Page 24

see myself as a hero. I know that Hatzolah has invested a lot of time and energy into me, and it’s a privilege to be involved in saving Jewish lives. The responsibility of being part of something that is greater than me is what inspires me to continue giving, and being involved with an unbelievable organisation which is touching lives on a day-today basis is a privilege. PHOTO BY TREVOR SACHS JOSH SMITH Some years ago, I was cycling in S u i ke r b o s ra n d Nature Reserve. I was descending a hill at a rapid speed when I hit some sand and missed the corner; I had a substantial crash. Hatzolah came to pick me up and take me to hospital. Thankfully, I didn’t sustain any serious injuries, but the paramedics on shift were very professional and kind to me. They took care of everything, from FOR ME, ALL THE CALLS THAT I RESPOND TO ARE REWARDING. IT’S QUITE AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE TO ARRIVE AT A PLACE WHERE THERE IS PANIC AND CHAOS AND, BY THE TIME YOU LEAVE, IT’S CALM WITH A GAMEPLAN IN PLACE. JOSH SMITH treating me and dealing with the hospital to getting hold of my parents. Ever since I was helped in such a manner by such an amazing organisation, I wanted to be able to be on the giving end and help people. I joined Hatzolah on my 18th birthday, and this August marks five years. I am currently a student at Wits, studying medicine, so I hope to be able to keep volunteering for many more years. I enjoy being able to help and give back to the community. I have always had a passion for the medical side of things. I have gained a whole new family at Hatzolah, a very tight-knit group where everyone is looking out for everyone else and cares for one another. I have gained a huge amount of medical knowledge and practical medical skills that I would never have been able to learn anywhere else. I have learned how to interact with different people in different situations, where before I joined Hatzolah, I would not have known what to do and how to do it. Hatzolah has taught me how to cope under severe pressure. For me, all the calls that I respond to are rewarding. It’s quite an amazing experience to arrive at a place where there is panic and chaos and, by the time you leave, it’s calm with a game-plan in place. The most special call I’ve been part of was when a patient was in a car accident and was in very bad shape. All the responders that day TRULY KOSHER SHANA TOVA U’metukah Wishing you & the entire community ‫שנה‬ ‫טובה‬ ‫ומתוקה‬ 1 LONG AVENUE, GLENHAZEL | 011 440 9517 | [email protected] | WWW.KOSHERWORLD.CO.ZA