Sole is passionate about serving people
FROM watching his father drive the family car to being a driver helping Fijians in desperate need of medical attention, we talk to St. John Ambulance driver Anitivia Sole this week.
Mr Sole hails from Dreketi, Rewa with maternal links to Naqara, Kadavu and has been working with the St John for more than 15 years.
The 35-year-old ambulance driver said he was fascinated about driving at the age of 14 after watching his dad drive the family around in their car.
"I've always wanted to sit behind the wheel," he said
Mr Sole said he only acquired his driving licence three years ago.
He said ambulance drivers take risks all the time and must have a strong understanding of traffic laws and regulations - as well as defensive driving techniques. Mr Sole believes he has earned his place as a driver with St John and this was like a dream come true for him.
As part of his work he is also responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the ambulance.
"Before we actually go out, we need to check our vehicles and our equipment inside.
"Being an ambulance driver requires multitasking such as managing the vehicle while ensuring patients are transferred safely to the emergency department."
"In Fiji Land Cruiser Transit vehicles are used for emergency runs because it better caters for the line of work we do,” he said.
Mr Sole said in every emergency run, there are only two officers inside the ambulance — the driver and an attendant.
"I just fell in love with the work we do here got the community bringing in patients in need of help."
His work has allowed him to travel far and wide around the country, visiting many areas in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
"This includes being assigned to sport events as well when there is a big game," he said.
While the journey may be difficult at times, being spiritually grounded and sharing and communicating with colleagues has helped him through this journey.
"My daughter is my motivation. I need to stay focused for her so I can provide financially and emotionally as a dad,"he said.
"While at times I'm always away from home because of my work, faith and prayers have been my source of strength and assurance.
Mr Sole first started as a volunteer in for St John in 2006 before being attached to the ambulance department in 2009 for five years.
He said he was later given an official contract and continued with the job for another three years.
He then returned to his village in Dreketi, after that to farm and look after his daughter as well as other members of his extended family.
Mr Sole said he returned to St John Ambulance in 2019, seven years later to work as a ambulance crew member.
At the time he had no experience or familiarity with being a first responder or an ambulance officer.
He said however, that growing up his family raised him with a strong foundation of caring, compassion and looking after others.
Mr Sole says he is optimistic with the opportunity and believes it is the right place for him to work.
For now he plans to stay on at St John to do what he does best — serving people and helping them get to hospital on time.