by Dan Heidt
1) Where did you grow up and what was it like?
Well I am East Indian but I was born and raised in South Africa. Iam literally a slave descendant from Indians that were brought to South Africa by the British, 151 years ago as slaves. In order to work in
sugar cane plantations and railroad tracks......
I grew up during the Apartheid Era so life was difficult, being a non-white person. Growing up, it was easy for a kid to understand that because of the color of our skin. We were not allowed to go to certain areas where we lived. We were not able to go into a store and buy something that we liked because most places were for white peopleonly. There were only certain places, we as non-white people were allowed into.
When I completed high school, there were only 2 choices as non-white people, were allowed to go and study. That was either to become a Teacher or a Nurse. One could go to University if you had enough money to go then study what you liked. However, my mom as a singleparent could not afford to send me to study. I disliked both professions so I decided to get a job as an Administrative Clerk.
2) How do you define success?
My personal definition of success is to always rise above your own standards of excellence. By that I mean, one should always compare
themselves to themselves (their own accomplishments and achievements) and rise above that.
3) Who has had the greatest influence on you?
I would say that my mom and my late fiancé have had the greatest influence on my life. My mom raised 2 small children on her own and instilled respect, morals and ethics in us.
My late fiancé (being an Attorney) believed in acquiring an education along with knowledge.
Knowledge is POWER.....
4) Why did you decide to become a Paramedic and where do you see this leading to?
Well, I did not choose to become a Paramedic, it was through DivineIntervention. I was 1 of 50 people selected from 7500 other people, in my state that were chosen to be trained as paramedic. It did not take long for me to fall in love with my profession and I feel blessed to
have been chosen for this calling......
5) Can you tell me where you work and in what capacity is your involvement?
Currently, I work in Afghanistan as a contractual, Remote Site Medic. It’s very different compared to working in South Africa, because in
Afghanistan, I predominantly work in a Clinical Environment treating patients in a more stable secured work area. Where as in South
Africa, I was an Operational Medic, and worked full time on an ambulance.
South Africa has changed over the years, becoming on of the most dangerous places to live in. As a medic, I was assaulted many times by intoxicated patients and our ambulances would get hi-jacked frequently around the country. People seem to have no respect for us. Even though, we risk our lives each and every day in an attempt to help people. So I would say that I am far safer working in Afghanistan than working in South Africa.
6) What have you learned over your life time that you would like to share with others?
I have learned that the greatest gift anyone could give to anotherindividual is a sense that you care. I have come to realize that we
live in a cold cruel world where, care and compassion have become scarcequalities. I believe that it takes just one person to make a
difference and to set an example for others.
7) Are there any causes or organizations that you support?
I’m an avid blood donor. I also support organizations that are trying to stop animal cruelty, an organization that is trying to preserve the Rhino species. As these animals are frequently being poached for their horns. I also support organizations that care for abandoned babies and children, infected with H.I.V.
8) Is there anything I haven't asked you that you would like to comment on?
Yes.
1. Where do I see my profession leading to? Well in the future I would like to further my studies and become a Flight Doctor and
probably work for an organization such as AIR MERCY.
2. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? I enjoy traveling, very much. My last trip was to India and I was given a
surprise opportunity to visit the TAJ MAHAL in AGRA. It was the most amazing experience.
9) What is your favorite meal and what do you prefer to drink with it?
My favorite meal is prawns grilled in garlic butter, served on a bed of rice or with crisp potato wedges. I prefer to have my meal with freshly made orange juice.
1) Where did you grow up and what was it like?
Well I am East Indian but I was born and raised in South Africa. Iam literally a slave descendant from Indians that were brought to South Africa by the British, 151 years ago as slaves. In order to work in
sugar cane plantations and railroad tracks......
I grew up during the Apartheid Era so life was difficult, being a non-white person. Growing up, it was easy for a kid to understand that because of the color of our skin. We were not allowed to go to certain areas where we lived. We were not able to go into a store and buy something that we liked because most places were for white peopleonly. There were only certain places, we as non-white people were allowed into.
When I completed high school, there were only 2 choices as non-white people, were allowed to go and study. That was either to become a Teacher or a Nurse. One could go to University if you had enough money to go then study what you liked. However, my mom as a singleparent could not afford to send me to study. I disliked both professions so I decided to get a job as an Administrative Clerk.
2) How do you define success?
My personal definition of success is to always rise above your own standards of excellence. By that I mean, one should always compare
themselves to themselves (their own accomplishments and achievements) and rise above that.
3) Who has had the greatest influence on you?
I would say that my mom and my late fiancé have had the greatest influence on my life. My mom raised 2 small children on her own and instilled respect, morals and ethics in us.
My late fiancé (being an Attorney) believed in acquiring an education along with knowledge.
Knowledge is POWER.....
4) Why did you decide to become a Paramedic and where do you see this leading to?
Well, I did not choose to become a Paramedic, it was through DivineIntervention. I was 1 of 50 people selected from 7500 other people, in my state that were chosen to be trained as paramedic. It did not take long for me to fall in love with my profession and I feel blessed to
have been chosen for this calling......
5) Can you tell me where you work and in what capacity is your involvement?
Currently, I work in Afghanistan as a contractual, Remote Site Medic. It’s very different compared to working in South Africa, because in
Afghanistan, I predominantly work in a Clinical Environment treating patients in a more stable secured work area. Where as in South
Africa, I was an Operational Medic, and worked full time on an ambulance.
South Africa has changed over the years, becoming on of the most dangerous places to live in. As a medic, I was assaulted many times by intoxicated patients and our ambulances would get hi-jacked frequently around the country. People seem to have no respect for us. Even though, we risk our lives each and every day in an attempt to help people. So I would say that I am far safer working in Afghanistan than working in South Africa.
6) What have you learned over your life time that you would like to share with others?
I have learned that the greatest gift anyone could give to anotherindividual is a sense that you care. I have come to realize that we
live in a cold cruel world where, care and compassion have become scarcequalities. I believe that it takes just one person to make a
difference and to set an example for others.
7) Are there any causes or organizations that you support?
I’m an avid blood donor. I also support organizations that are trying to stop animal cruelty, an organization that is trying to preserve the Rhino species. As these animals are frequently being poached for their horns. I also support organizations that care for abandoned babies and children, infected with H.I.V.
8) Is there anything I haven't asked you that you would like to comment on?
Yes.
1. Where do I see my profession leading to? Well in the future I would like to further my studies and become a Flight Doctor and
probably work for an organization such as AIR MERCY.
2. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? I enjoy traveling, very much. My last trip was to India and I was given a
surprise opportunity to visit the TAJ MAHAL in AGRA. It was the most amazing experience.
9) What is your favorite meal and what do you prefer to drink with it?
My favorite meal is prawns grilled in garlic butter, served on a bed of rice or with crisp potato wedges. I prefer to have my meal with freshly made orange juice.
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