Condoms versus tear-gas - how Wits medical students are helping #FeesMustFall protesters

12 October 2016 - 16:17 By Nomahlubi Jordaan

A former student has teamed up with Wits University's medicine students to help injured students during the #FeesMustFall protests. Identifying himself only as "Jay"‚ the former medical student said he decided to help because‚ “You know there is a saying that ‘once a Witsie‚ always a Witsie’. “I felt that it was my duty to help. We are still short of medical kits; condoms help with rubbing off tear gas‚ water and whatever you can give.” “Whether you are a student‚ a police officer‚ the media or a security guard‚ we are here to help‚” Jay said. The medic team‚ he said‚ comprises more than 20 students studying medicine. He said they treat students for injuries ranging from gunshot and rubber bullet wounds to asthma attacks from inhaling tear gas.“Our job really is morale-boosting. After you get shot‚ you are done‚ but if someone comes and helps you‚ it brings your morale up for whatever you are doing‚” said Jay.Ivan‚ a certified paramedic and post graduate student at Wits‚ said: “We are here because Wits still refuses to pay for any medical support and campus health is closed‚ so we are on our own.“We are doing this because we took an oath to help‚” he said.Jay said he supports the students’ call for free education.“At one stage my parents were paying R100 000 a year and I thought it was not fair. I have two younger brothers. That’s why I feel strongly about #FeesMustFall.- TMG Digital..

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