Paramedics celebrate Gregory’s brave recovery
Over the course of several weeks, Gregory had to endure three surgeries and excruciating pain as medical staff worked tirelessly to save his life
A BIRTHDAY party nearly ended in tragedy for eight-year-old Gregory Bosman after a piece of concrete fell on him during the festivities in October. The incident left him with life-threatening injuries.
Over the course of several weeks, Gregory had to endure three surgeries and excruciating pain as medical staff worked tirelessly to save his life. However, on Tuesday last week, family, friends and paramedics from the Crisis Medical team celebrated his bravery and recovery with a special hand-over.
The team of lifesavers presented the uMhlanga Ridge resident with a bravery trophy and certificate to mark the occasion.
On the day, Gregory’s mother, Shelley Bosman, spoke to the Northglen News about her family’s harrowing experience. It all started with a phone-call, she said. She was told that Gregory had fallen and that they needed to come and fetch him. It was on a Friday afternoon – 23 October.
“I contacted his father, who was closer at the time, to fetch him. I was told he seemed a bit uncomfortable but okay at that time. However, as soon as they drove over the first speed bump on the way home, Gregory screamed out in pain and he was rushed to the hospital,” she said.
X-rays and scans revealed that Gregory had internal bleeding and needed surgery. However, the local hospital did not have a paediatric surgeon with the qualifications to perform the surgery, she said. The family had 48 hours to track down a surgeon before Gregory’s condition would become critical.
Shelley turned to her sister, a former Crisis Medical employee, who in turn contacted Dr Rafiek Rodriques, the medical officer for the emergency response service team, for assistance.
“Dr Rodriques not only managed to track down Dr Brian Warman, who did the initial surgery with Prof Jerome Loveland at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg, but also arranged for Gregory to be transported,” she added.
On the Sunday morning, paramedics, Naveshan Reddy and Andile Zondi, transported Gregory to Johannesburg, where he would receive the urgent medical treatment he required. They arrived on the Sunday evening and Gregory was rushed into surgery first thing Monday morning.
“He would undergo two more surgeries. There were times when it was touch-and-go, but he was so brave. I don’t think most people would have been able to cope the way he did. He is such a strong kid,” said Shelley.
She added that her son was now in good spirits, and although he missed a whole term of school, is excited to get back to his friends and is hopeful of playing sports once again. Gregory will continue with check-ups with Dr Rodriques until he is satisfied with his recovery.
Kyle van Reenen, spokesman for the emergency service said, “These cases are definitely rewarding. We get to see another side, as we are usually the first to respond. Rarely do we see or hear about our patients’ recovery after we have transported them to the hospital. So to see a case through and to witness such a great recovery is very special.”
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