Sukdeo loves to help others

Being a paramedic is a demanding job, but Sanjay Sukdeo loves what he does.

October 17, 2016

2 minutes read

ILS ER24 medic, Sanjay Sukdeo has worked for ER24 since 2012 and continues to be a paramedic because he has a passion to help people.

He is an Intermediate Life Support (ILS) paramedic at ER24.

BCT: Why did you become a paramedic?

SS: I have always wanted to do something in the medical field.

After matriculating from Ladysmith Secondary School, in 1994, I worked at a Mr Price store from 1995 until 1999, and then studied at the College of Emergency Care.

I also worked for a government ambulance service until 2008, when I moved to Boksburg, to work for an occupational health company.

In 2012, I started working in an ambulance at ER24.

I then became an ILS in 2014.

BCT: What does your job entail?

SS: Generally, I make sure that everything runs smoothly on scene, ensuring the patient is assessed and managed, and the family of the patient is notified of their condition.

If needs be, I assess and manage the patient, too.

BCT: What are the challenges of the job?

SS: Psychologically, it can be traumatic when dead bodies are lying all over the scene, and it is also hard to assist someone whose loved one was involved in an accident.

BCT: Why do you still choose to be a paramedic?

SS: Being a paramedic means that you have a passion for people and for helping them.

Knowing that I was able to help someone and that they are grateful for the assistance makes it worth it.

BCT: What kinds of calls do you mostly receive?

SS: We respond mostly to accident calls, but it varies from medical cases to shootings.

BCT: How do your shifts work?

SS: I work a 48-hour shift and a 72-hour shift.

My normal shift is between 6am and 6pm, and my standby shift is from 6pm to 6am.

BCT: What kinds of risks or sacrifices do paramedics make?

SS: We drive at high speeds to get to scenes as fast as possible. Our jobs also take a toll on our families.

BCT: How do you balance such shifts and family life?

SS: My wife, Prithi, and children, Samishka (14), Kelita (11) and Yeshkal (nine) Sukdeo are understanding and are a great support system, but I do not mix my work and family time.

BCT: Do you have time for hobbies?

SS: When I can, I gym, braai, fish and participate in sports.