A couple, brought together by a shared passion for serving humanity as paramedics, has selflessly performed their duties and tackled the challenges and heartbreak that come with it for 25 years.

Ronelle and Rephael Joseph, residents of Strand, met early in their respective careers, fell in love and today are married with three children.

Rephael grew up in Raithby and later moved to Macassar with his parents and sister. He attended Danie Ackermann Primary School and finished his schooling at Zandvliet High.

Ronelle has lived in Strand all her life, at first with her parents and younger brother.

She attended Dr GJ Joubert Primary and matriculated from Gordon High.

They met during Ronelle’s time as a shift ambulance volunteer, which she did on Sundays. On the day, her 12-hour shift had ended and she was stranded at the base as her lift had already left.

Rephael offered her a lift home as it was on his way to his brother’s home in Strand. They exchanged phone numbers and that’s where it all started. The couple were married on 18 March 2006 after dating for almost four years.

On working together

Providing some insight into working together at Metro EMS, one of the first things the couple shared was the daily challenges they face, especially as paramedics are attacked in some areas. “A few years ago, Rephael was held at gunpoint in Khayelitsha, as he and his partner were tending a patient, and was stabbed in his right arm as he tried to get away from the perpetrators,” Ronelle related.

“I had a similar incident in which a guy walked into the road in Macassar, pointing a gun at me while on our way to an address a few years ago.

“We talk a lot about what to do and how to handle certain situations. We love what we do and understand each other when it comes to feeling despondent.”

In response to how they balance their careers with spending quality time with their children and enjoying some free time, Ronelle said: “We were both stationed at Somerset West ambulance base initially, until the station was moved to Khayelitsha. Working at the same base, but not on the same shift has made things easier as our children were still very young.

“We would normally take our annual leave at the same time as our off days are somewhat limited. We would go to different places in and around the peninsula to explore with our kids, Ryan (24), Caleb (16) and Chelsea (13), and family.”

In his free time Rephael jogs or cycles. Ronelle writes songs and has released a few gospel singles she’s written herself. “I love to bake, cook and watch movies as well,” she pointed out.

Recommending their occupation

As for a glimpse into their careers, they said this line of work has shown them that life comes with challenges and heartaches.

“Sometimes we get attached to patients and their circumstances. We’ve witnessed some gruesome scenes over the years and will not be able to highlight any of them.

“This is a very insightful, inspiring, interesting and informative occupation for us, and we love what we do. We would recommend this occupation to any student to pursue and experience the deeper sense of satisfaction such a service brings. So yes, it is a great line of work.”

The couple also accompany each other to career days and other events as volunteers.

Ronelle used to drive the HealthNet tango for three years, transporting patients to various hospitals in and around Cape Town.