Being a paramedic is not just a job; it is a vocation.

This is what Charles Steyn, a paramedic at Magenta, emphasised when he found time to sit down with the Advertiser ‘between scenes’.

“You are putting everything on the line – even your own life and family – to serve those in distress.”

Who is Charles Steyn

Steyn, an electrician by trade, took on a part-time job as a porter in the casualty department at the local hospital while completing his apprenticeship in Witbank in 1991.

In 1993, he enlisted in the South African National Defence Force for mandatory service, but returned to active duty in 1994.

He eventually started as a primary healthcare provider at Middelburg Emergency Services in 1995.

“I am not good with blood, bodies, or confined spaces,” confessed Steyn.

During his 12-hour shifts, Steyn may be called to respond to trauma scenes, medical emergencies, inter-hospital transfers, motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, or even domestic disputes — “anything can happen,” he said.

Being a parent, Steyn says, one of the most difficult parts of being a paramedic is treating children.

“You need to shut down emotionally to treat them as best as you can,” said Steyn.

Moreover, treating children can be particularly challenging, as they are often unable to explain what is wrong.

Adding to the pressure are fake emergency calls and the alarming incidents of theft, hijackings, and attacks on paramedics while on duty.

Debriefing and talking about what happened during serious call-outs are ways paramedics deal with difficult situations.

This is due to the high-stress working environment and gruesome scenes they encounter, and many paramedics suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“I suffer from insomnia and we sleep very little while on duty,” Steyn said..

Steyn recalled a motor vehicle accident that haunts him to this day.

A young man’s car was stuck under a lorry. As other emergency personnel tried to free the man, half of his head was missing.

Later, they came to realise that the young man had texted his girlfriend with a suicide note…

Because of these challenges, Steyn emphasises the importance of proper emergency care education at tertiary level, coupled with the right mindset.

“Your common sense tells you that you are not going to live a normal life,” he admitted.

Steyn added that being a paramedic has a profound impact on one’s personal life, especially when holding another person’s life in your hands, quite literally.

‘Passion, compassion, and professionalism’ is key.

Steyn wants the public to know they should not speak of ‘ambulance drivers’; ‘the people behind the wheel are trained paramedics too..

Plus, he remarked, a small piece of respect and a little understanding goes a long way.

Concluding, Steyn thanked locals for respecting the ambulances on the road and allowing them to pass on their way to a call-out.

“Newcastle is a walk in the park compared to metro-cities where motorists don’t give way and we have to drive on the sidewalk to get to our destination,” he acknowledged.

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