Saving lives by God's grace Glen Preston (40), owner of Hibiscus Med-Evac Service for the past 15 years and the only nonDepartment of Health recipient of the MEC’s Award for Excellence in 2016 for a rescue in a rural community, felt compelled to save lives from a very early age.
B
orn the second son to teacher parents in Zimbabwe, Preston’s family emigrated to Johannesburg, moved to Richards Bay, then finally settled in Amanzimtoti when his dad moved into the HR field. He was a school first aider as well as a cub and scout and he completed both his nipper and lifeguard awards in his school career. Preston first caught the paramedic bug when, as a school first aider in Grade 8, he attended the SA Drum Majorette Competition at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. He quizzed DUT National Diploma students and
their lecturers for hours to learn about the course, equipment and career. He began volunteering for an ambulance service in Grade 9 and continued until he completed matric at Amanzimtoti High School. Preston enrolled for his National Diploma in Ambulance and Emergency Care through Technikon Natal full-time from 1998 and describes it as one of the most intense and demanding courses at the Institution. He worked parttime for experience and supplemental income and completed his BTech degree part-time at DUT in 2006. “We worked super hard and had an absolute blast doing so! There is something about shared danger and challenges/hardship that can’t be explained,” enthused Preston. “Whether it was climbing a mountain or jumping off a dam wall for rescue to the weekly physical training, it forges bonds that last a lifetime and transcend all gender or racial lines.” After Tech, Preston completed updates and continuous development courses, remaining in the field. He has delivered lectures and assessed at DUT and private colleges and has been involved in a number of advisory/regulatory bodies to train/mentor many practitioners over the years. He is now busy ‘toying with the idea’ of completing his master’s degree. A self-confessed workaholic, Preston’s business provides employment for 30 staff members. The busy service currently runs four ambulances, two response cars and boats and
Glen Preston DUT BTECH ambulance and Emergency Medical Care graduate
DUTConnect // 18
