Female first responder showing heart and determination in putting patients first
Monica Pretorius is a valued member of volunteer ComMed Emergency Response.
Few journeys begin with the travellers shifting their own interests to the periphery at the onset.
Responding to medical emergencies as a member of volunteer association ComMed Emergency Response, Monica Pretorius is a mobile guardian angel. The 20-year-old has just marked one year of service and along with her first responder colleagues, has dedicated her time to saving the precious seconds that help bring life back from the brink of the deepest despair.
With various first responder courses completed, Monica has already set her sights on a life of service. Once completing her goal of becoming a fully fledged Advanced Life Support Paramedic, she aims to add to her academic qualifications before hopefully earning a place in Milpark Hospital’s Trauma Unit.
“Something else I really want to tick off my bucket list is working for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) because they do amazing work and I believe I can also make a difference with them,” Monica added.
Drawn to the medical field by the ultimate of altruistic motives, Monica has a drive to want to help people who are at their lowest.
“What inspires me most is the feeling I get on the inside after helping someone. Since I was a little girl I had a huge passion for medicine and always wanted to go into the medical field just to be the light in someone else’s darkness,” she said.
Even with the right motives, Monica’s line of work is not for everyone. Among the characteristics needed, she sights strong empathy, sacrifice for the greater good, deep-rooted equality and a sense of humour as prerequisites.
Separating work from oneself is vital, as she explained,
“We often need to be able to partition off the bad stuff we deal with on scenes from what we take home to our families and we need to have inner strength to deal with the horrible things people go through”.
Heart, courage and selflessness defy any gender norms but Monica sees perceived limitations as challenges.
“Unfortunately, in life there are always challenges we face as females. One is the fact that we cannot necessarily go to calls alone as it is too dangerous,” she admitted.
“Another challenge is that some male paramedics still have this overpowering mindset that women can’t do what they do or that we are not capable of some tasks. I’ll prove them wrong!” she added.
Pulled to accidents, trauma incidents and medical emergencies by a power greater than her, Monica’s mission is an extra sense. Only the rarest are chosen to watch over the rest and in offering guidance to those who wish to join those hallowed ranks, Monica advised,
“Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons, namely for the patients and to make a difference. Always give your patients the best level of care you possibly can and then always guard your heart.”
