Retired paramedic to unite unsung heroes

IN AN effort to get health servants of the past under one roof, retired paramedic Norman Baartman has organised a reunion for all veterans and current emergency medical staff and their families to share the good and the bad of their profession.

Baartman, 60, was a paramedic at the Pinelands Ambulance base for 33 years.

“Over the years we lost guys we worked with for many years, and the only time we would reunite with others would be at funerals. We would be so excited to see each other because there was no communication.

“In 2013, I had a small gathering and experienced the love and compassion we had for one another. We are a family,” he said.

This year, Baartman widened his reach via social media and word of mouth. He is expecting about 100 people to attend the gathering. Baartman said things had drastically changed.

“Our community has expanded tremendously. Politically, things changed and the demand has increased. As the demand grew, the service could not keep up with the requirement as budgets would not allow.

“So now many people have to wait, hence they introduced a bulk-waiting system to prioritise the public’s needs, depending on a patient’s condition.”

He said when he was in the service, they did not receive the same volume of calls. “People respected us, they saw us as a helping hand and you felt good because you were there for a purpose and I am passionate about helping people, especially people in a crisis. Even more so injured or ill people.

“Paramedics in the country have come under attack in recent months, with some being stabbed or robbed at gunpoint while attending to emergencies.”

Areas such as Tafelsig in Mitchells Plain, Manenberg and sections of Khayelitsha have been declared red zones for paramedics following a spate of attacks. Crews in these areas have to wait for police escort before entering.

“I can’t believe ambulances are being attacked by the people they help and assist. We are not protected by bullet-proof jackets and we’re not allowed to carry our guns. We are health servants,” said Baartman.

The event will feature a display of specialised equipment for old staff to see how the service has expanded. It will start at 12pm at Erica Park in Belhar. The event is free and all staff, old and new, are invited along with their families.

For more details, call Baartman on 076 123 5299, email: normanbaartman@gmail.com