Paramedic gives her all to her patients

With Women’s Month at an end, the NEWS met with former Edenvale resident and ER24 advanced life support (ALS) paramedic Candice Booysen.

Candice joined emergency services in 2008 and qualified as an ALS paramedic in 2014. She pursued a career in emergency medicine while she was in her final year of school.

“I didn’t have an idea as to what I was going to do when I left high school, so a family member organised for me to do a ride-along with paramedics from various fire stations.

“After I went on the first call I was hooked on the feeling of the adrenaline of the response.

“I just watched in amazement at the things paramedics did. Their skills and abilities grabbed my attention.”

Candice said the pandemic changed the way paramedics and first responders work.

“Things completely changed, from how we dress by having to wear full PPE while treating patients to the simple things of not being able to physically console patients by holding their hand or giving them a hug when they need it, especially when it comes to treating the elderly or a small child.”

She said as a result of the pandemic, the emergency medicine field adapted and changed how it operates at the start of the pandemic.

“It’s a change of lifestyle and protocols to ensure our safety and the safety of others, including our loved ones.”

Candice said she always keeps the safety of her family and friends in mind when working.

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“Before I wouldn’t have second thoughts about visiting my family, friends or godchildren, but now I have had to stick to video calls and messages sometimes stopping in front of the gate outside just so I could see them in person, ensuring I keep a safe distance.

“I have missed those hugs that made any bad day better. But for most of it, everyone understood why. It was just a bit more difficult explaining to the little ones why they can’t hug or see their Aunty Candice.”

Speaking on women empowerment, Candice explained her colleagues are all equal and support each other regardless of gender.

She said ER24 supports its female staff and help create opportunities for them to further themselves as women in a once completely male-dominant industry.

“It’s all about respect and working together as one. I believe ER24 goes above and beyond to make women feel empowered and respected.

“We receive the same amount of opportunities as anyone else and are looked after and protected in an industry where safety is a concern.”

She said as paramedics they have amazing crews who always have their backs to the point where they are like family.

Speaking on safety, Candice said there have been a few incidents over the years where she found herself in difficult situations.

“In all honesty, it is something we all deal with daily, but as an ALS paramedic I have been shot at, had stones thrown at the car while responding, people trying to block roads or just not let you gain access to the call you have been dispatched to.

“This is a reality working in SA. We just learn to keep our eyes open.”

Candice explained dispatch centres are a lifeline for paramedics, as well as the contacts made in the SAPS, metro police and security companies.

“Luckily, we have an open line of communication with dispatchers and crew members, so if we feel unsafe or something goes wrong, we as ground crew can look after each other and have the option to put our safety first, which is the golden rule of emergency medical services.”

She advised girls and young women hoping to be paramedics to dream big.

“It isn’t an easy career and is physically, mentally and emotionally challenging, but keep your head up and work hard.

“If you do, the sky is the limit and life has endless possibilities. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and most of all, have fun.” Candice highlighted that to succeed in the emergency medical field you need to have an open mind and be confident in your abilities.

“You need to be able to work as part of a team that consists of various personalities and views, so respect them and work together.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, we all started somewhere.” She said although there are times you will need to be tough you will have to be kind and caring as well.