Nurse who delivers baby in parking lot earns national praise
A nurse who delivered a baby in a parking lot has received national recognition for his heroic actions.
Professional nurse Khomotso Comfort Ramabokela (29) won a national award in private healthcare after he helped deliver a baby in a parking lot.
When Comfort arrived at the vehicle in the parking lot to assess the situation, he saw that the baby’s head was crowning, which meant the woman was close to delivering the child. Comfort explained he had to prepare himself physically and psychologically for what was to come.
His first thought was ensuring the safe delivery of the baby and the health of the mother. He tried to remember that safety and sterility, even outside of the hospital, need to be maintained all the time.
Before working for Randfontein Private Hospital, Comfort worked in the emergency department and the labour ward, which prepared him for that very moment. According to Comfort, coming across such emergencies time and again helped him develop a character of calm and focus.
During the delivery of the baby, Comfort noted there were some challenges, such as a lack of space and comfort for the patient, as well as patient privacy. In order to overcome these challenges, Comfort put the patient in the back seat and covered her with a sheet to maintain her privacy.
The most important thing to keep in mind during situations like these is a safe delivery. You have to ensure the environment is safe for both the baby and the mother. Easy equipment accessibility and the necessary help are also important,” Comfort noted.
He used his midwifery speciality that he acquired at Vaal University of Technology (VUT) and previous experiences to help handle the situation effectively. The best moment for him was when he heard the baby’s cries and saw the mother’s tears of joy.
“Gaining recognition and being appreciated, it motivated me to keep on working hard and also be open to learning opportunities for me to gain more knowledge and be able to apply the necessary skills in the daily challenges that I come across.”
Furthermore, he also advised other healthcare professionals who might face similar emergencies outside of a hospital setting.
Stay calm and focused. Prioritise a safe and sterile environment for your patients, apply necessary skills and also ask for help from colleagues who are near you when you need help, to provide a good health care service.”
The VUT and Lenmed Private Hospital celebrated Comfort for his outstanding contribution to healthcare and the recognition he recently received as ‘Celebrate of the Year’ across South Africa and the African continent.
