I want people to put health first..not religion
Hero 999 worker devotes his time to help Asian community From helping Syrian refugees settle in Scotland to teaching first aid in mosques, Araf Saddiq has dedicated his life to giving medical support to the Asian community.
The 52-year- old became the nation’s first Asian paramedic in 1996 and ever since he has been helping break down the barriers between ethnic minorities and the health service.
When he is not out saving lives with the Scottish Ambulance Service, Araf can be found giving CPR and defibrillator workshops in mosques and Sikh and Hindu temples.
Araf’s dedication to improving lives, changing attitudes and challenging stereotypes has earned him a Great Scot Community Champion nomination.
He said: “I love what I do. To me, it is more than a job – it is a vocation. The more people I can help or reach out to, the better.
“Training people in basic first aid and CPR is vital, especially in ethnic minority communities where cultural differences have led to a lack of understanding.
“My colleagues and I run CPR workshops and health sessions in mosques and Sikh and Hindu temples and I’m on a mission to get as many defibrillators as I can installed in these centres. Mature Asian men are at higher risk of cardiac disease.”
He added: “In some cultures, being a female being treated by a male paramedic and vice versa can be a major issue.
“I’ve been trying to teach folk they have to put their health first, not their religion.”
Araf, who is married to special needs teacher Aysha, 42, has also been making an impact on the refugee community.
He said: “When the Syrian refugees came to Scotland, they had never heard of the NHS or calling for an ambulance.
“I’ve developed a form where they fill in personal and medical details, which allows paramedics to start immediate treatment, where before there could be delays due to language difficulties.”
Araf, who is dad to Amaan, 17, Eleena, 14 and Inayah, five, has also been involved with the Scottish Communities Initiative and the Army in setting up an anti-radicalisation programme.
Araf is also doing his bit to encourage other Muslims to follow him into the profession.
He said :“I became a paramedic after they saved my mother’ s life. In my culture, you are encouraged to become doctors, lawyers or engineers. Paramedics aren’t even on the radar. I’m working hard to change this.”
Jill Mc Arthur, of Spec savers, who sponsor the Community Champion Award, said: “We’re proud to be supporting this year’s Sunday Mail and Steven Brown Art Great Scot Awards.” It’s more than a job – it’s a vocation. The more people I can help, the better