‘You guys save lives, we save phones’ – paramedic whose mobile was wrecked on the job given free replacement

PARAMEDICS face tough situations on the job every day, and it’s nice to know some of those who are able to are helping our front line lifesavers out.

Victorian medic Mike Ray was called to help a man who was attempting suicide by entering the sea. His efforts, as well as those of his partner and police, were successful and the man was saved.

“As a Paramedic, we occasionally find ourselves in unpredictable situations, helping people in their hour of most need. Sometimes they realise this, sometimes they do not,” Mike said in a public post on Facebook.

“In all the commotion… I did not have time to remove my iPhone, or anything else, from my pockets, and it was irreparably water damaged.

“With no expectations, I took it to Apple [in Narre Warren], who upon hearing the story offered to replace the phone at no cost.

“The kind words of the Apple [employee,] ‘you guys save lives, we save phones,’ were certainly not unnoticed.”

I rarely write posts like this and am far from a fan of Apple’s products, but that is not the point of sharing this story. The gesture of the staff who handled Mike’s replacement is a strong one, and hopefully sets a precedent for successful businesses giving back to their communities.

Now if only Apple would pay its taxes we could better fund our support services. A free phone is great and has made a positive impact in one lifesaver’s world, but we cannot let that gloss over the billion-dollar multinational’s cheating of the Australian people.

If you or someone you know is having difficulties with depression or anxiety, you can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or at www.beyondblue.org.au for support and advice.