Molakeng reunites with green angels on World Trauma Day
Gauteng EMS Paramedic Marius Ackerman said that when he arrived at the scene, all he wanted was to save Makaleng’s life. He stated that this is what he and his colleagues are committed to, seeing a life being saved.
SEBOKENG – Lillian Molakeng, a Midvaal Local Municipality councillor, has reunited with the first responders of her near-fatal car accident. The crash happened on August 23, 2024, along the R57 near President Hyper in Vanderbijlpark. Molakeng used the commemoration of World Trauma Day, observed on October 17, to thank paramedics for saving her life.
World Trauma Day raises awareness about the impact of trauma on individuals and communities, emphasising the importance of timely medical care and preventive measures. Trauma refers to severe injuries or shock to the body, often caused by accidents, violence, or natural disasters. The day highlights the importance of effective emergency services and care systems, immediate and proper medical intervention, and public awareness of trauma prevention.
Molakeng experienced a deeply emotional moment when she came face-to-face with the paramedics who rescued her from the horrific crash. Molakeng, who was unconscious when the emergency team pulled her from the wreckage and rushed her to the hospital, broke down in tears as she shook their hands and embraced them in gratitude.
“When I saw them, my heart could not contain the emotion. They were the first to touch me when I was closest to death. Today I thanked them for giving me a second chance at life,” she said.
The touching reunion also moved the paramedics, who rarely have the opportunity to meet the patients they save. Gauteng EMS Paramedic Marius Ackerman said that when he arrived at the scene, all he wanted was to save Makaleng’s life. He stated that this is what he and his colleagues are committed to, seeing a life being saved.
Molakeng gifted all those who played a role in her journey to healing, including the nurses and doctors at Sebokeng Hospital, where she was admitted following the incident.
The encounter was a defining moment, symbolising healing, faith, and gratitude. Molakeng’s story continues to inspire hope, serving as a reminder of the courage of emergency service workers and the power of the human spirit to rise again.
