19
In February of this year, it was decided to run a “BAA course” for new volunteers. Talk of the imminent
demise of the “part-time courses” was rampant and our expert lecturer was making Aliyah in June. It
therefore made sense to run one more course, in association with COJEMS.
A rigorous interview process was conducted and a ϐinal group of eight was selected for the course.
Beginning early in March, the course covered all aspects of anatomy, physiology and emergency medical
care at Basic Life Support level.
Course coordinator and lecturer Shaun Spruch, assisted by Hilly Reuben, ensured that the high standards
of the Hatzolah BAA course were maintained. In addition to theory, the course covered many practical
aspects of emergency medicine, including visits to the Jo’burg Gen, the Johannesburg morgue, Ellis Park
swimming pools and the ER24 helicopter emergency services.
Patient simulations became the order of the day, with practically every possible scenario covered from
every angle, ensuring that as far as practical, knowledge and skills could be integrated to ready the team
for the road.
Final exams, including written, oral and simulations were held early in June, which saw all participants
passing and registering as Basic Life Support medics with the Health Professions Council of South Africa
(HPCSA).
The “BAA Class of 2015” has gelled well as a group, and has now integrated with the larger Hatzolah full
time and volunteer group, bringing a new and vibrant batch of volunteers to the Hatzolah family.
We thank Shaun Spruch for his expert knowledge and passion, which he has passed on to us. Wewish him
well in his new life in Israel and look forward to implementing all that he taught us for the betterment
of our community.
HATZOLAH GRADUATES 2015
