Proud paramedics put safety first

2008-04-10

Paramedics Group photo (not in order): Billy Kgasoone, Mikateko Makhubela, Shani Mathebula, Portia Mbambo, Tebogo Tharaga, Mankwana Malatsi, Thomas Mahlalela, Mohlatego Mahasha, Readers Mushwana, Maatishe Makgoba, Refilwe Magaoua.

Ten paramedics and a member of Phalaborwa’s 7 SAI BN army base showed initiative by organising their own development training recently, having been unable to obtain the skills they needed through their employers due to lack of budget. The eleven bright sparks undertook a variety of training with the Palabora Foundation during October and November last year, with Corporal Mushwana even taking annual leave to attend some of the courses.

One of the paramedics had heard that the Foundation was offering free safety training and a group of colleagues in the Emergency Medical Services soon joined the waiting list. According to one, paramedics are required to know a lot about safety but the government department does not provide training. They had been offered courses with Vutomi but claim that the standard of the Palabora Foundation’s training is much higher. Corporal Mushwana also stated that it was often difficult to obtain training from the army.

The eager team has now benefitted from training in safety, with some of them also learning about human resources, tendering procedures, marketing and financial management. The human resources training has been very popular, with managers on the course feeling that their newly acquired knowledge has equipped them to manage their staff more effectively. One paramedic proudly declared that the Phalaborwa station is now one of the best stations in the province, thanks to the skills they have gained from the courses. He went on to say that they all hope this will not be the end of their training; that the paramedics can provide a smoother service with better training. To this end they are hoping to find sponsors to further their studies.

Corporal Mushwana hopes that by seeing news of the courses’ success in the paper, perhaps some of his colleagues will believe there is value in the training and also put their names down on the list. He hopes that seeing the changes in his leadership will inspire others.

Having attended the first safety training course, all eleven now want to proceed to Level 2. According to Jenni Fleming, the programme head of the Foundation’s Business Development unit, they do not normally offer Level 2 courses; however, she is hoping to organise this for them at some stage. Unfortunately the Foundation has a long waiting list for some of its many courses so the eager trainees will have to exercise patience for a while so that others can benefit from Level 1.

The Palabora Foundation’s Business Development unit is situated at the Leboneng Education Centre in Namakgale. You can contact the unit on 015 769 5055.

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