Celebrating our woman paramedic this Women’s Month
Netcare911 paramedic Bianca Nortje has a passion for helping and saving lives, even when not on duty.
Our first responding heroes dedicate their lives to saving others, and with August being Women’s Month we salute Bianca Nortje, a paramedic for Netcare 911.
Why a career as a paramedic?
“Growing up with my dad as a firefighter, I would sometimes go with him. When I was in school one of my school friends was involved in a vehicle accident. Sadly she succumbed to her injuries. That day changed everything. I did not want to feel helpless, I wanted to help people.”
“In Grade Nine, I began my first aid courses. By Grade 11, I had completed them all. After school, I qualified for my ILS (intermediate life support) and was one of the youngest to do so.”
As a paramedic, what are the highs and lows for you?
“Even off duty, I do my best to help people. I love helping people, and when you get a ‘thank you’ or acknowledgment for what you have done, that is a highlight.
“The lows are when you can’t save someone and especially when there are children involved. It breaks you.”
What was a point in your career that stood out?
“You can’t get too involved with your patients, because it can mess up one’s mind when things don’t happen the way you want. One case that broke me was that of a couple involved in a vehicle accident in 2017.
“The man died on the scene and the woman was in a critical condition. She was transported to a hospital and airlifted from there. A week later her mother contacted me to provide an update.
“Two weeks later the woman died from her brain injuries, but still today, her mother and I stay in contact. We have become so close that I consider her like my mom.”
Have you ever faced negativity or challenges being a woman paramedic?
“When I just qualified, I was working for a company and was not seen as an equal, being the only woman. When it came to bigger patients, it was the attitude of ‘How is she going to pick him up’.
“Not only my peers but also those for example in the towing services underestimated me and couldn’t believe the strength I have. I believe in women’s empowerment.”
How do you balance your career and family life?
“With the long hours and the demand for paramedics, it can get difficult, but you need to make time for the people you love. Even if it is for a quick lunch or a couple of hours at night you need to make time.
“It is also important to have people in your life that can understand your work life and hours, so you must have the right support system. My support system understands that I put my patients and sometimes, in some cases, their traumatised families first.”
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