POLOKWANE – She may announce her presence with blaring sirens and a flashing red light, but Prudence Sehlodimela (33) does not waste words when she is working.
She’s one of the women dressed in red, who works at ER24 and is always ready to assist where needed.
She is a BAA, known in medical terms as a basic ambulance assistant, and she explains that her work is one of the things she enjoys the most in life. The other, is her children.
“In 2000 I was staying with my mother who is a nurse. An accident had occurred and there were no assistants at the scene. My mom offered her assistance and that was the moment I decided I want to be an ambulance driver. I did not realise there is more to it than just driving an ambulance.”
She explains that every medic or paramedic should have certain characteristics such as not being scared to attend to an accident, no matter how bad the situation. They should also have good communication skills and a love for mankind. ”
Her worst day as a BAA was when her partner was attacked at an accident scene. “It was Christmas Day last year and we responded to an accident.
“The patient’s family attacked Gerhard and it became personal, so it was bad for me as well. He is my friend as well as my partner. We’ve been working together since 2013, have a good relationship and understand each other.”
She explains that due to space limitations in an ambulance, only one person is permitted to accompany a patient and that generally the family members understand and accept this.
To remain calm Prudence takes deep breaths and focuses on helping the patient.
“I too am only a person. I also have emotions. If we are at a difficult scene, I will work through the trauma by myself. Being a woman does not influence my work.
“Being a mother makes it difficult as I sometimes have days without even seeing my children due to my shifts.
“But I love my work and would not want to do anything else.”
