- Araf Saddiq, a trailblazing Muslim paramedic, confronted appalling racist abuse during his tenure with the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS).
- Despite his dedicated efforts to serve his local community and Scotland, Saddiq endured consistent racial abuse over the years. These distressing incidents culminated in a traumatizing encounter when one person he was transporting to the hospital not only labelled him a “terrorist b******” but also physically attacked him.
Proudly serving as the first individual from South Asian Muslim within his country’s ambulance service, the 57-year-old from Chapelhall, Lanarkshire, was violently attacked in 2010. Following the incident, Saddiq was compelled to take an extended career break, aiming to recover from the deeply disturbing ordeal. Reflecting on his experience in an interview with the Daily Record, he candidly shared, “It (racism) manifests in different ways – people refuse to look at you or engage in conversation, even when you’re the attending clinician asking pertinent questions.”
Saddiq continued, recounting the fateful incident: “I have been subjected to racial slurs on numerous occasions. However, around 11 years ago, I endured a more harrowing ordeal. While transporting a patient to the hospital, he remained largely silent in the back of the ambulance. Yet, upon arriving at the hospital and settling him into a chair, he suddenly turned around and directed a hateful remark at me, calling me a ‘black, terrorist b******’.”
Initially laughing off the comment, Saddiq’s amusement swiftly turned to shock as the patient lunged at him, launching a ferocious assault. Saddiq’s colleague intervened, attempting to protect him, but he sustained several injuries. “I dislocated my shoulder and suffered a knee injury. It was an extremely brutal attack that left a lasting impact. In the aftermath, various thoughts haunted me. This individual harbored such deep hatred for my skin color that, despite my care and attention, he viciously attacked me. If he had access to a weapon, I dread to imagine the consequences. With a young family, such fears plagued my mind, prompting me to take a two-year career break.”
The profound impact of the incident led Saddiq to accompany his wife, Aysha, a teacher who secured a job in the Abu Dhabi education department, along with their children during this period. While he felt disheartened at the time, Saddiq devoted himself to caring for his children. However, after two years, he felt a strong desire to resume his career, fueled by his passion for saving lives.
Image: Jamie Williamson
Beyond his vital work on the frontlines, Saddiq actively engages in outreach activities, raising health awareness, conducting CPR events, and spearheading fundraising campaigns for community defibrillators. He collaborates closely with local mosques and gurdwaras, imparting first aid knowledge and bridging gaps between communities. Furthermore, Saddiq strives to involve ethnic minorities in the wider community through his health projects, promoting a sense of unity and understanding.
Image: Araf Saddiq receiving his Queen’s Ambulance Medal in the 2021 New Year’s Honours
Recognizing his unwavering dedication, the BBC’s NHS75 celebration highlights Saddiq’s remarkable journey in the series “Extraordinary Portraits.” Paired with former fashion photographer Brock Elbank, this episode pays tribute to Saddiq and other inspiring NHS heroes, capturing their extraordinary contributions to society.
