Paramedic Adams relishes role as emergency go-to guy

Darrel Adams’ journey as a paramedic began long ago when he was just a young boy, eagerly listening for sirens and watching the red lights of ambulances rushing to emergencies near his home. Little did he know that his childhood fascination would shape his future and lead him to a fulfilling career in the healthcare sector.

As a paramedic, his day-to-day work is far from predictable. He describes it as opening a lucky packet. Every day brings something new and different.

Adams emphasises the importance of adaptability and taking each day as it comes. He says he can’t schedule when a call will come or predict what emergencies await, and that’s what keeps his job exciting.

Providing a personal touch

Working in the community where he grew up in Paarl in the Western Cape has a special significance for Adams. He is intimately familiar with the people, places, and the community’s needs, which allows him to provide a personal touch to his services. The mutual respect and rapport he shares with the community make his work even more meaningful and effective.

Adams says his seasoned paramedic uncle played a significant role in shaping his career aspirations. His uncle’s calm and composed approach to even the most traumatic scenes left a lasting impression on him. Despite the dangers and challenges of the job, the family’s support and the valuable lessons from his uncle motivated him to pursue a career in saving lives.

Paramedic Adams relishes role as emergency go-to guy — Darrel Adams was fascinated by the sirens of ambulances from a young age. Photo: Dawn Noemdoe

However, Adams’ path has not been without its share of challenges. One incident in 2014 when his foot was trapped in the ambulance step during a call made him wonder if he should continue working under such demanding conditions. Fortunately, his determination and faith carried him through a successful recovery, reaffirming his commitment to his career.

His deep spirituality has been a guiding force throughout his journey. He believes in the power of prayer and relies on his faith to protect him as he embarks on each new call. His strong belief in God keeps him grounded and gives him the courage to face the unknown.

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The best ‘thank you’ ever

Adams expresses that one of the best aspects of the job is when the community shows their gratitude with a simple “thank you”. He also cherishes one special moment when he could bring new life into the world.

“I remember doing my first delivery in an ambulance and the mother named the baby after me, was a boy. So that’s exciting times. That’s the stuff that I will always take with me,” he adds.

When asked how he deals with the stresses of his everyday work, he talks fondly about his involvement at the local radio station which provides him with a creative outlet to unwind from the demands of his profession.

Looking ahead, he plans to continue making a difference in his community, potentially by pursuing further studies in the field. He encourages young people to consider a career in paramedicine, emphasising that with the right dedication and passion, they can succeed and serve their communities effectively.

Words of wisdom

To his colleagues in the healthcare sector, Adams says, “The golden rule always is to remember that your safety comes first, no matter the situation out there. Your safety comes first because if you’re going step into something and something’s going to happen to you, then who’s going to help you at the end of the day? So, my message to our fellow workers will be to look after yourself, stay safe, enjoy what you do, and everything will work out.”