MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS

Ashwin Krishna ~ Base Manager
Email	ashwin@ams.org.za
Job Responsibilities	Oversee and manage operations at the Cape Town Base. Ensure quality service delivery, efficiency and client satisfaction. Develop goals and ensure that the strategic direction of the organization are met.
When did you start at AMS?	15th March 2006
What did you do before?	2002- EMRS (KZN) appointed as Operations Manager : Umgungundlovu District1993- EMRS (KZN) as operational paramedic at Advanced life support level
What do you enjoy most about your job?	The satisfaction I get from the results of every successful mission done, no matter how big or small, knowing that somewhere, somebody's pain and suffering has been somewhat alleviated.

Iefan Blake ~ Helicopter Pilot
Email	Iefan@ams.org.za
Job Responsibilities	Flying the helicopter for EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and rescues in the most effective and professional manner possible.
When did you start at AMS?	8 August 2002
What did you do before?	I was in the South African Air Force for 6 years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?	Being able to get rescuers and paramedics to the patients in difficult situations and conditions.
Most memorable moment	The bonding that took place between crewmembers during a particular rescue.

Marilise Charlotte Boshoff ~ Service Co-ordinator
Email	marilise@ams.org.za
Job Responsibilities	Co - ordinating of patient transportation, communication with different service providers and key persons in the system. Communication with different hospitals and follow - up on clients and patients
When did you start at AMS?	01 January 2006
What did you do before?	Worked in Panorama Medi - Clinic Labour Ward for 3 years ( 1year as Unit Manager of Maternity Unit). Prior to this worked in other labour wards for 5 years. Worked in Milnerton Medi - Clinic Trauma Unit for past 5 years and 8 months. Did voluntary flying for Red Cross AMS at intervals past 3 to 4 years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?	The contact and communication with many other people and services.
Most memorable moment	Call-out on the helicopter to Noordhoek for a shark attack.

Steve Earp ~ pc-12 Pilot
Email	Sjearp@telkomsa.net
Job Responsibilities	Flying fixed wing.
When did you start at AMS?	JAN 2004
What did you do before?	Chief Pilot for Federal Air Cape Town and previously the Johannesburg branch.
What do you enjoy most about your job?	I enjoy anything to do with aviation and especially not working 9 to 5, 5 days a week in a office. Great satisfaction from helping others in need, especially the outreach programme which brings medical attention to those who may otherwise not receive it.
Most memorable moment	I recently flew a heart attack patient and his wife from Upington to Cape Town. It was heart-warming to see the relief on the wife's face - knowing that her husband was in safe hands and going to get the best treatment possible.

Caren Kok ~ Maintenance Engineer
Email	carenk@ams.org.za
Job Responsibilities	maintaining the serviceability of the organisation's helicopter fleet.
When did you start at AMS?	March 2006
What did you do before?	Nine and a half years as a helicopter engineer and technical instructor in the South African Airforce, worked for CHC Helicopters Africa for five and a half years and Eurocopter for eight months.
What do you enjoy most about your job?	The challenges of repair ing helicopters . The Ever changing requirements, the variety of the job.
Most memorable moment	Every day is a memorable moment because I have the freedom of working independently with one mission: to get the helicopters on line every morning by 7 a.m.

Sizeka Mvunge-Bentsile ~ Receptionist
Email	sizeka@ams.org.za
Job Responsibilities	Operate switchboard, bookings, orders, receiving orders, welcoming visitors, handling, petty cash
When did you start at AMS?	4 January 2006
What did you do before?	In 2005 I worked at Lethalomso personnel as a receptionist. In 2004 I worked at Sakhisizwe personnel for 10 months as an Office assistant. In 2003 I worked at STEC as a Receptionist
What do you enjoy most about your job?	It is challenging.
Most memorable moment	The bonding that took place between crewmembers during a particular rescue.

Nozibongo Nopote ~ General Assistant
Job Responsibilities	Cleaning the office, banking and collect post.
When did you start at AMS?	1 June 2005
What did you do before?	Worked for a workforce agent.
What do you enjoy most about your job?	Enjoy most that I can work independently and know my tasks.

André Oliphant ~ Senior Flight Paramedic
Email	Andreo@ams.org.za
Job Responsibilities	Patient care and navigation
When did you start at AMS?	November 2001
What did you do before?	Worked for Kimberley Ambulance Rescue Service and METRO Cape Town.
What do you enjoy most about your job?	Professional cool atmosphere and stable working conditions.
Most memorable moment	Rescuing a family of four off mountains in Simon's Town.

Marc Perkins ~ Helicopter Pilot
Email	Marc@ams.org.za
Job Responsibilities	Flying the helicopter for EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and rescues in the most effective and professional manner possible.
When did you start at AMS?	November 2003
What did you do before?	Was a heli pilot at the South African Air Force and at Civair Helicopters.
What do you enjoy most about your job?	The ability to contribute to the community in the form of humanitarian assistance to people in need of help.
Most memorable moment	Each call when we render some form of assistance is memorable.

Neil Anthony Swile ~ Flight paramedic
Email	neil@ams.org.za
Job Responsibilities	Rotor Wing Duties
When did you start at AMS?	1st November 2005
What did you do before?	1993 to 1998 City of Cape Town as A.E.A 1998 to 2000 Upington Municipality as Disaster Management Assistant 2000 to 2005 ER24 as Paramedic
What do you enjoy most about your job?	I enjoy working in a challenging environment where I have the opportunity to help those who are in need of help.
Most memorable moment	Every moment is memorable.

Richard Tungana ~ Hangar Attendant
Job Responsibilities	Keep hangar and base in tip-top condition.
When did you start at AMS?	February 2001
What do you enjoy most about your job?	I like watching the planes and helicopters.

Louise Witten ~ Service Co-ordinator
Email	louise@ams.org.za
Job Responsibilities	Transport of patients, organising of aircraft
When did you start at AMS?	1996
What did you do before?	Worked as a nursing sister at Panorama Medi-Clinic in the Neonatal Unit
What do you enjoy most about your job?	Children’s excitement, when flying the first time
Most memorable moment	My first flight – transport of baby from George to Cape Town.