HATZOLAH GRADUATES 2015
Having been aHatzolah dispatcher for the past year, I decided to enrol for the BAA course. It is something I havewanted to do for years and
this seemed like a good opportunity. I did not envisage that the course would take over my life, it literally became all-consuming for the
better part of three months. We were pushed in the deep end (literally at the Ellis Park Swimming Pools), poked and prodded and
challenged beyond our wildest expectations. The care and concern for patient dignity and comfort was something that struck me as being
the core of the Hatzolah way of doing things. It is a true privilege and honour for me to be part of an organisation that serves the
community by focusing on chessed aswell as helping others.
Hatzolah! I was so happy and to find out that I was accepted into this course. In 3
months we were introduced to so much practical and fascinating information.
Maybe I shouldn't be so proud of this, but I never in my life have been so happy and
excited about going to class until the Hatzolah course came along. Shaun has been
an amazing teacher. He has a way of creating an environment where everyone feels
comfortable to speak their minds and ask any question. We spent so much time
practicing on Pablo (the mannequin) until we really felt very at home with him. I
don't think any doll ever got so much attention, not even Barbie! Going to the
hospital to treat patients together with the whole group was really something
special. Just in those sessions we got to see so much, including the delivering of
babies. I'm looking forward to being part of such an amazing organization.
I originally joined the BAA course because I had to, and
completed it because I wanted to.
With absolutely no medical knowledge or history, I was
enthralled fromthe very first lecture, right up until the end.
Shaun Spruch is an inspiration with a wealth of knowledge
and experience that he imparted with an unmatched passion
and exuberance.
I am eager to impart my new knowledge and skills for the
betterment of our special Johannesburg community.
It was honour to be accepted to do the BAA course forHatzolah.
Shaun and the team went to great lengths to give us a course like no
other EMS or volunteering organisation! The training was intense,
thorough and enjoyable.
Needless to say a great group of guys that I look forward toworkingwith.
I am honoured & grateful to be part of the Hatzolah team and give back
to the Jewish community!!
I am so privileged to have been able to take part in the BLS
course. It was one thing to learn all the skills and have the
knowledge but it was even greater that I did it through
Hatzolah under the guidance of Shaun and the whole
Hatzolah family. The course motivated me to do things to the
best of my ability and to work hard. We learnt how to work
together as a team and that patient care is our top priority. I
look forward to working with the greater Hatzolah teamand I
amso proud to be a part of this incredible organisation.
I've always been interested in the field of medicine.
It was always my dream to become a doctor but
unfortunately I never got accepted. When my
grandfather passed away last year December, I
wanted to do something in his memory. Then the
email came around asking people to apply for the
new BAA course. I knew in my heart this would be
something unique to do in honour ofmy grandfather
since Hatzolah did so much for him. It's now nearly
two months since I finished the course and I am
loving and taking in every single second of it!
Emergency medicine has always been a keen interest of mine.
Growing up I used to feel frustrated if I saw an accident and
could not offer proper assistance. I did a first aid course at
high school and often attended to sport injuries. Helping
people when they need it most, is so rewarding.
When the opportunity to do basic life support with Hatzolah
came up I did not need to give it a second thought, I jumped
right in and now I can honestly say it is incredibly fulfilling.
Every day in a positive way I learn and grow, the volunteers
and full time staff of Hatzolah continue to inspire me. I can
only hope one day to give back as much as Hatzolah has given
tome and the community.
In my final year in school I was busy eating breakfast when one of the domestic workers fell and started shaking uncontrollably, as I sat
there watching helplessly people were sticking spoons in his mouth other people were pouring milk down his throat, finally Hatzolah
arrived and treated him. I thought to myself chas veshalom that could have been one of my family members or friends and the best I would
be able to do is just sit there andwatch. From that day I decided I needed to equipmyself to be able to help out in those situations. However I
was busy with matric so never really had time for it, after matric I went straight to yeshiva so never had much time there either. I then
returned from Israel and this amazing opportunity came up to do the course with Hatzolah I was absolutely ecstatic and grabbed the
opportunity with both hands. Thank G-D I was accepted into the course and never looked back it was an amazing course given by an
absolute professional (Shaun). Even though the classes were every night besides Tuesday and every second Sunday it were never a burden
rather it was always something to look forward to. I feel privileged to be part of theHatzolah family and part of such a special organization.
