Honouring the Unsung Heroes Who Face the Unknown Every Single Day
Good Things Guy | 17.02.2026 15:30
A paramedic’s job is defined by trauma, fatigue, and bravery. In this feaure we honour these unsung heroes who choose to push forward and save lives anyway.
Johannesburg, South Africa (17 February 2026) – The famous saying goes: not all heroes wear capes. And they certainly don’t. Sometimes they wear tactical gear, safety boots and a whole lot of bravery.
Former paramedic, Karl Angelique Prinsloo, penned a post honouring the incredible work these and other first responders do on a daily basis, pushing forward despite the trauma, stress, demands and fatigue that come with the territory – all too often with very little recognition.
Reflecting on the highs and lows of life on the road, from the adrenaline of the job to the quiet, early-morning coffees while the rest of the world slept, Karl offers a glimpse into the demands of a profession that few outside of it truly understand.
“I know what it feels like to stop alone on scene 3 am in the morning, 40km from the nearest town, with multiple patients lying across the road, and you have to decide who you treat first – who lives and who doesn’t.
“I know how it feels not to have enough hands, to do what you need to do. I know what it feels like to wash a patient’s blood from your hands, to see life leaving your patients and to write a death declaration,” he shares.
It’s a job he did for many years, day in and out and a heaviness he often had to hide behind a smile.
Beyond his reflections, Karl honoured his fellow unsung heroes in the paramedic field, recognising the quiet strength and resilience they show under immense pressure.
“Good paramedics and great paramedics. To all the men and women I have had the privilege of working with, all the long, long hours, all the fights to save people’s lives, people you don’t even know… Thank you very much. Thank you to the paramedics, police men and women, traffic department, fire department, tow truck operators, and all the first responders.”
As Karl puts it, these everyday heroes don’t get enough credit or appreciation.
This piece can’t fully capture the immense value of your work, but it serves as a moment of recognition. We see how you show up every day to face the unknown, even when it feels overwhelming, because saving a life matters most. For that, we thank you all
