EMS College ‘visionary’ dies aged 48
CONDOLENCES have poured in for Pradeep Ashokcoomar, the principal of the provincial Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services College, who died in hospital yesterday after an illness.
Ashokcoomar, 48, who was described as a “visionary” in emergency medical services, was based at the department’s college at McCord Hospital since 2014.
A resident of Clairwood, Ashokcoomar joined the ambulance service 30 years ago, in 1989.
His death was mourned by Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, who expressed his condolences to Ashokcoomar’s family.
Three years ago, he received accolades at the MEC’s Annual Service Excellence Awards for his research into the emergency transportation of sick newborns from rural areas, including the equipment and specialised care needed. He had recently completed a PhD on the subject and also had a Master’s Degree of Technology in Emergency Medical Care and Rescue (2012), a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Emergency Medical Care (2010) and a National Diploma: Emergency Medical Care and Rescue (2008).
“He was a go-getter, a visionary who wanted to take EMS into the future. He always motivated those he came across, even if he didn’t know them. It’s a real loss to the EMS community,” said KZN EMS spokesperson Robert McKenzie.
“We are saddened by the passing of Mr Ashokcoomar,” said Dhlomo. “He had been doing a remarkable job leading the KZN EMS College. The fact that he was an exemplary leader was attested to by the Masea (award) he won recently. He had a hunger for knowledge and self-development so that he could impact positively on those around him.”
Ashokcoomar is survived by his wife and daughter.