Swerving through choking traffic, I jump a red light, go over the speed limit and park at the hospital. The ambulance doors open: a stretcher flies out and they all gather to check his pulse. Still going strong. We made it just in time.

But not all days go like this. Some days the patient arrives a few seconds too late, and some days there is no living patient by the time we reach them. I have seen more death in that vehicle than a soldier has on a battlefield. Every ride is a race against the clock of life. It’s funny, others think I’m driving an ambulance, but usually what I drive is actually a hearse.

I have a wife who begs me not to go to work, and two beautiful boys who want to spend all day playing with me, and yet I break their hearts whenever I walk out the door. It pains me to my core, although staying home, knowing that I could have helped save someone’s  life, would pain me even more. It’s my fault for being so caring, all others have left this forsaken job in weeks, and here I am, still going strong, year after year of this pandemic

Paranoia of the virus haunts me. I don’t care about myself, it’s a matter of when and not if I get infected. However, I do not want to risk exposing my family to this wretched disease. They already worry enough because of my late working hours and night shifts.  This job was supposed to be an easy way to earn money. Now it has become my duty, to the people of my country. 

Yes, it is a very stressful, painful and excruciating job. I won’t lie, I have been tempted to quit on several occasions. But, the joy and sheer relief I feel on seeing people I transported to the emergency ward come out with smiling faces, that is far more rewarding than any cushy corporate desk job I could have. 

Although I’m not a doctor, or a nurse, or any other respected medical professional, I still have a huge role to play. I’m proud to work as an ambulance driver, and have no intention of stopping. One day, I hope the government realises the worth of workers like me and helps us, financially or otherwise. Thank you messages featured in public speeches, newspapers or on TV will not fill my stomach. 

Yet, remembering the card a little girl gave me, for saving her father, seems to ignite a desire to keep pushing on. The difference we workers make is not so obvious to the general public, but to the ones we affect directly, it means the world. Humanity is a strange thing; it seems to show itself only in times of terror. And at the same time, seeing it in action, just for a moment,  in the eyes of happy children and cheerful laughter, is undoubtedly the most beautiful thing on Earth. 

For all the suffering caused by it, the virus revived mankind’s humanity, my humanity. I will continue to do good for society no matter what. I will become a better husband, father and most importantly, a better human. Every battle is fought with an array of warriors, and even if I’m just a foot soldier in this war against the pandemic, I’ll fight on the frontline with all I’ve got.