Gujarat: Paramedics jump back into saddle after beating Covid-19

Parth Shastri | TNN | May 5, 2020, 11:26 IST

Kamesh Solanki, who recovered in 10 days, now works in high-risk areas

AHMEDABAD: Like any other person, Kamesh Solanki, a native of Kheda, was taken aback on April 15 when he learned that his symptoms were pointing towards Covid-19. He works for the EMRI-run 108 ambulance service and was deployed in Naroda.
“The support of my team, my family and above all, frontline health workers never had me worried about what the future would hold. I responded well to treatment and on April 25, 10 days after my admission to Civil Hospital, I was deemed fit for discharge,” says Solanki.
Solanki reported went back to work on May 3. “He was recommended rest and some time off from work, but he insisted on returning to serve society when it matters most,” said an EMRI Gujarat official.
Nitesh Bamaniya, another emergency medical technician (EMT) with EMRI 108, also had a similar experience. His ambulance was not on Covid-19 special duty, but he found himself infected on April 20. He recovered quickly and was discharged in five days. He also resumed work on Sunday, serving Ahmedabad city.
Jashvant Prajapati, COO of EMRI Gujarat, said that the duo could have gone home or simply said that they needed more time. “They have children and family. But they stayed back in Ahmedabad and waited for their recovery. They are inspiration to frontline health workers, who face the danger of catching the virus on a daily basis,” he said.
The two also spread awareness and dispel myths about Covid-19 as health workers, added EMRI officials.