David Joffe
- RESPONDER
It was a passion of mine to be able towork for a community organisation such as Hatzolah and
to become part of the team I completed a comprehensive BLS course. It not only certified us
but qualified us to treat patients with confidence, and Hatzolah continues to provide us with
ongoing training and education.
Joining Hatzolah has given me a sense of purpose and an opportunity to give something back
to the community, and so I take every opportunity to go on asmany calls as possible and assist
where I can.
Being able to assist the full time crew has been an amazing experience for me, as they always
goout of theirway to educateme on scene, increasingmy knowledge and confidence.
As a 'newbie', every call I go on gives me a feeling of satisfaction, knowing that I've done my
best for the patient and their family.
Saul Jassinowsky
- RESPONDER
I was lucky enough to receive training of the highest calibre at our very own Hatzolah house.
The training was conducted by Shaun Spruch, a qualified Advanced Life Support responder.
The trainingwas rigorous but covered everything thatwe needed to know.
Hatzolah is unlike any other communal organisation. Hatzolah has become like a second
family, with a second home at the Hatzolah house. I have been able to, in a real and hands on
way, to give back to our incredible community in a way that not many have. This privilege
goes further than only helping in a medical way. The mix of people have served to broaden
social circles, create great new friends and has cemented a true sense of community and
giving, by following the unbelievable examples set by the board, staff andvolunteers
Hatzolah provides the structures and facilities with which to further the entire team.
Compulsory training happens regularly as well as the opportunity to continuously learn
while on scene. The “older” volunteers and full time staff are always committed to going
slowly, alleviating panic andmaking sure that each step is understood by the newvolunteers.
I have made a conscious effort to respond to as many calls as possible in an attempt to
concretise my theoretical knowledge. I have had many opportunities to sit with responders
senior to me-during their own time-to have concepts outside of my scope explained to me in order that we, as a team, can
provide the best possible care for our patients.
I had the privilege to observe one of my fellowvolunteers deal with an overdose call. Followingmy training, I proceeded to deal
with the scene as usual. Xxxxx, on the other hand, was one step ahead. The patient to whomwe were called had very obvious
underlying and untreated signs of depression. The way Xxxxx cared for her, motivated her and did the same for her extended
family was awe inspiring. There were moments, while driving, that what he said and how he said it, brought tears to my eyes.
On arrival at the hospital, our patient was not unloaded immediately as is usually done. Xxxxx sat in the back of the ambulance
chatting to her about hope, about life and options for support. Xxxxx chatted to her as if shewas a life-long friend, she agreed to
get help. According to the family, this was not such an easy task. After this call, I realised that I had witnessed my friend Xxxxx
save a life.
RESPONDERS
