WATCH: Senior paramedic an inspiration to all

“Women have value and it’s up to us to set an example for young girls who will lead in the future.”

These are the words of Charlotte Pillay (30), a senior paramedic who is an achiever in her own field.

“It is often women in the health-care sector who are at the frontline of caring for those affected by Covid-19,” says Charlotte, who shared her experiences as paramedic and critical care operations manager.

She has seven years experience as advanced life support paramedic and often have to make swift decisions and stay calm in stressful situations.

“Our days vary. You may respond to a gunshot victim, and later that day deliver a baby on the sidewalk.”

At the age of 17, Charlotte attended the Durban University of Technology in 2008 and completed a qualification in emergency medical care and rescue.

This qualified her as advanced life support paramedic.

From a young age, Charlotte loved rescuing injured birds and nursing them back to health.

“The genuine desire to help others as a child transitioned into my adulthood. In my teen years, I watched a helicopter airlift a critical patient from an accident on the highway, and I knew then that that was my calling.

“Being a paramedic is different from other professions. Nurses and doctors work in secured environments with stable conditions unlike paramedics who work outdoors in chaotic conditions, such as in the rain and even in the dark.

“They work odds hours and often find themselves in unpredictable environments.”

She said leading a balanced life is key in coping with the job.

The paramedic loves working out, getting adequate rest, and spending time at the coast with her family.

“I love a good spinning class and cooking up a storm. I am also an avid reader and my current read is Robin Sharma’s 5am club.”

Most people frequently probe the paramedic on how do she deals with blood, guts, severed limbs, gruesome accidents, disasters and trauma.

“I usually reply that the job is not for the faint of heart, and a strong stomach is required as the above are all common at an accident scene.”

According to Charlotte, one of the biggest challenges as a paramedic is mental health.

“Being a paramedic comes with a dose of stressful situations, amidst chaos. You will find hysteria, turmoil and sometimes anger are the prevailing emotions after any type of accident or mass disaster. Paramedics absorb these emotions daily.”

Her career highlights include flying with the Netcare 911 helicopter emergency service and participating in medical evacuations in different countries.

“I was privileged to travel to Tbilisi, Georgia, as well as Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, Ethiopia, and Namibia on Netcare 911’s Angles over Africa missions.”

Among many other places, Charlotte has worked in Germiston and Union Hospital.

In future, Charlotte said she envisions herself continuing to make a difference in the health care sector, and improving EMS systems.

“I completed a postgraduate diploma in business management and have progressed to a Master’s in Business Administration, majoring in health care management. I rightfully believe that women can make a difference in the health care sector.”

She also discussed the impact of lockdown on her as paramedic.

“Since the National State of Disaster was declared, there were many rules and regulations that we incorporated. These include stricter regulations and directives regarding sanitation and personal protective wear. This changed my approach towards patients with more caution and personal protective wear.”

She added she and her co-workers encounter strangers daily.

“We have no idea where they have been, who they have been around, and we cannot tell if the person we are treating is indeed infected or not.

“It is also heartbreaking to see fellow health-care workers getting infected with the virus and the extra precautions that have to be taken to protect themselves and their families from possible infection.”

She shared how all frontline workers are under immense pressure.

“We are anxious during every shift and we are mentally exhausted. It is the most challenging moment in our professional lives as health-care workers.”

Charlotte said their volume of work has increased, along with the concentration and deliberation of preparation.

“One mistake could be fatal and can lead to infection. The ability to make a patient feel better emotionally and psychologically is all the more difficult from behind a mask and protective wear.”

Charlotte’s message to other paramedics during this period is to take care of themselves first before taking care of others.

“You are most important to our country being on the frontline. You are not alone. We are in this together, and together we will overcome this pandemic.”

One life lesson her work has taught her was the importance of community and teamwork.

“Everyone has an important role no matter what capacity you function in.”

She said being a female paramedic takes extra stamina and resilience because it is a male-dominated industry.

“It requires a good level of physical fitness, as well as good navigational and driving skills. As a woman your interpersonal and instructional skills are an essential part of your standard operating procedures.”

In celebration of women’s efforts and their strength, Charlotte shared her message to women.

“Start proactively empowering yourself. Pioneering women before us like Charlotte Maxeke and Lilian Ngoyi have inspired us to unlock our strength. They are undeniable proof that women are the embodiment of strength and resilience.

“These qualities make us a force to be reckoned with in the working environment.”

She urged women to create a South Africa they would like to live in.

“Help women who are struggling – if you empower a woman you empower a nation.”

Charlotte’s five top tips to succeed as paramedic:

1. Have good communication and interpersonal skills.

2. Always try to keep physically fit and have a well-balanced diet.

3. Adequate rest and relaxation is key.

4. Keep calm and avoid stress.

5. Always keep abreast with the latest guidelines and knowledge.

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Contact the newsroom by emailing:Editor at germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za.

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