Injured ER24 paramedic is recuperating fast

He is now able to get out of bed and move around

October 21, 2018

Arisja Misselhorn 1 minute read

Ms Madreline Meintjies and Mr Christiaan du Toit show thumbs up in the Millpark Hospital where Mr Du Toit is recuperating. These ‘thumbs up selfies’ have become tradition for them.

SECUNDA – Mr Christiaan du Toit, the ER24 paramedic who was critically injured on an accident scene on 22 September, is on the mend.

“He was moved from the trauma ICU to the High Care ICU ward on Saturday, 13 October,” said Ms Madreline Meintjies, his work-partner and self-proclaimed best friend.

The team was attending an accident scene near Walker Park Golf Course between Evander and eMbalenhle the night of 22 September, when a motorist in a BMW sped through the accident scene, causing a ripple effect that eventually ended with the ambulance smashing into the paramedics.

Among Mr Du Toit’s injuries are a broken jaw, fractured left collarbone and cracked ribs, as well as cuts to his right arm.

He had blood in his lungs due to a broken rib that punctured his a lung. Although he sustained head injuries, it did not cause permanent damage.

Ms Meintjies sustained injuries to her back and right ankle.

“Christiaan is recuperating remarkably well,” said Ms Meintjies who regularly visits her partner in the Millpark Hospital.

He has undergone surgery to repair his jaw, his arm and shoulder and his lungs and is also receiving physical therapy.

“He is almost back to his normal, funny self. He is now able to get out of bed and he was teasing me that he can walk better than I, because my leg is still in a moon boot.”

Most of the pipes have been removed and Mr Du Toit can now communicate, eat and move about.

Ms Meintjies returned to light duty work on Monday and said that she cannot wait to have her best buddy back.

“Ours is a special kind of friendship. We are more than mere good colleagues – we are family.”

They have been a team for more than a year and explained that they had just clicked from the first day.

Ms Helga du Toit, Mr Du Toit’s mother, voiced her appreciation towards all who helped her son.

“I especially want to thank ER24 and StratconRisk for walking this road with us each step of the way. They are amazing people and I am thankful for what they have done and still are doing for Christiaan and I.”