Margery leaves behind a heroic legacy

In the line of duty, Margery explained paramedics knew more than anyone the importance of one wasted minute.

December 6, 2019

Tersia Gopi 2 minutes read

Margery reflects on her years of serving in the emergency medical field.

She was the face you saw when you needed emergency assistance. She held your loved ones’ hands in their last moments; she was the lifeline patients depended on for a second chance at life.

After more than three decades of dedication, commitment and true passion, Margery Meijerink has called it a day and said an emotional goodbye to the emergency medical service industry.

“It’s amazing how time has gone by so quickly. It has been a wonderful journey,” she said.

Margery’s journey began in Empangeni in February 1986, after attending a basic ambulance course and then undergoing intermediate training and motor vehicle rescue courses.

She later relocated to Newcastle to be part of the provincial ambulance service, which was run by Red Cross at the time.

Margery rocked the boat and made waves when she set foot in the crew room and was taken aback at the segregation of race among members.

“I said this nonsense needs to stop, we make it one room. I remember when I was about five years old, my father said never think your skin colour is going to make life easy for you. Our skin is superficial. Everybody has the same blood and flesh.”

She said this valuable piece of advice stuck with her throughout her life, which made her a compassionate paramedic.

In the line of duty, Margery explained, paramedics knew more than anyone the importance of one wasted minute.

One particular incident which stood out for her was the collision between a school bus and a truck carrying sand on the Asiphephe Bridge.

“I remember the day so clearly, approaching the scene, the smell of the rain, diesel, sand and blood in the air. It’s a smell you can’t describe.”

She said the scene was chaotic, with bodies and body parts lying around.

“The saddest part of our job is deciding who is going to live and who is busy dying. I remember sitting with four children who were already gasping, just holding their hands and crying in my heart thinking of their families as they took their last breathes.”

Through her many rescue stories, Margery has seen both heartache and miracles.

She said when she looked back on her life as a paramedic, Margery believed she was hand-picked and it was only through God’s grace she had progressed thus far.

After 34 years of dedication, Margery said she realised it was time to put her health first.