INLSA
Every time paramedic Shannon Charles attends to a case that traumatises him, he adds another tattoo to his already extensive collection.
For 13 years, paramedic, Shannon Charles has foregone wages to make sure he could do what he loves best: saving the lives of others.
Charles, of Hillcrest, who was once employed in the medical unit of a security company, said he left to become a volunteer paramedic because he didn’t “appreciate the politics” of the corporate world.
“Things happened that were against my morals. There were times when certain services would select the cases they responded to.
“We are here for everyone, we will go anywhere.
“I enjoy serving my community. It’s never been about the money. I just love saving people.”
Chris Venter, who also works after hours as a volunteer paramedic, said they thrived on other people’s worst days.
“It’s an adrenalin rush. In fact, to do what we do, I think you have to be a little twisted upstairs.”
Yesterday, by midday when Charles – who is one of the founding members of Volunteer Emergency Medical Assistance (Vema) – met The Mercury, he had already responded to 13 calls.
“We never know what’s coming. Each case is unique, and when you know you’ve saved someone’s life who may otherwise have died, it’s a high, it puts a smile on your face for days afterwards.”
“Thirteen years ago there was a real lack of services out here (in the Outer West). In some instances we would intubate a patient for up to three hours while waiting for an ambulance.”
Charles, who relies on donations and sponsorships to carry on his work, said medical equipment and the maintenance on his donated Audi A3 were his most pressing expenses. “I work just about every weekend at equestrian events to make some money,” he said.
Former paramedic and chairman of Vema, Craig Everett said the organisation could not survive without the donations and sponsorships it received.
“For example the Department of Transport helped us with all our paperwork so we could use emergency lights and put reflective branding on our cars.
“ER24 also helps us with some medical supplies and medical bags for each of the volunteers.
“Medical supplies are very expensive.
“Also, all the volunteers use their own vehicles and are on 24-hour duty. Apart from Shannon they all hold down day jobs. We even have a trauma doctor on call,” he said.
Everett said he also wanted to make it clear that the volunteer paramedics only stabilised patients before other emergency services arrived.
“We don’t replace any of the existing emergency services. We are there to support and to help anyone, rich or poor. It’s all about giving back, the okes are there to help.”
