The brave team who fought the fire are from left to right in front: Andrew Lipitso (security) and Petronella Letebele (security). Middle row: Sello Tsiu, Bellina Makume (care worker), Judene Kotze, Remona Lubbe (clerk), Ena Lydia Leshoro and Em Motseki Tshehle. Back row: Mmaqueen Mokoena (care worker), Juan Lodewyks (handyman) and Peter van Leeuwen (artisan). Two others who assisted and are not in the picture are Miriam Tshabalala and Kenith Tshoniswa.
Thanks to the extraordinary courage of staff, predominantly women, Netcare Kroon Hospital was recently safeguarded from a fast-approaching veld fire. Their brave efforts ensured the hospital remained untouched despite the imminent danger.
“The fire was closing in on us rapidly. Within a very short time, it was so close that the smoke had caused the fire doors in the hospital to close,” recounted Judene Kotze, the manager on duty when the fire broke out near the hospital over the weekend.
“The smoke was extremely thick, but we did not hesitate. Fortunately, we have all been well prepared for such a situation, and the excellent training and expertise we gained from our regular fire drills immediately kicked in. We knew just what to do and how to do it.”
Kotze described the scene: “The staff were highly committed to protecting our hospital and patients from the approaching blaze, and everyone did their part without hesitation. Those leading our firefighting team were women. From nursing staff to technical staff, our colleagues from Empact and security, and even kitchen staff – everyone worked shoulder to shoulder to extinguish the fire and keep everyone safe.
“Everyone’s bravery and quick thinking ensured no lasting harm to anyone. The doctor on duty in the emergency department treated a few staff members for smoke inhalation, and two of the women who were on the front lines fighting the fire were treated for minor burns on their forearms – a small yet hugely significant sacrifice for saving the hospital and the many people inside,” she said.
“When I asked one of our colleagues how she was the next day, she laughed and said, ‘I’m a woman, I’m strong’,” recalled Kotze.
Tommie Hugo, the long-standing general manager of Netcare Kroon Hospital, expressed his immense gratitude to the team. “The most impressive thing is that the staff simply took ownership of the situation. They did some tricky work in coupling the hoses to the fire hydrants. The team knew exactly where everything was, the equipment was in good condition, and they knew exactly how to use everything. Those on the scene were able to get everything under control in record time, and by the time help arrived, the patients, staff and hospital buildings were well out of danger.
“It was a dangerous situation, and given how highly flammable the oxygen tanks and other equipment on site are, there was no time to be lost. Most of our staff are women, and on Saturday, more than 60% of those fighting the fire were women. They saved the hospital and did what they had to do without a moment’s hesitation. Given the danger of the situation, they made the right call as we could not wait for help to arrive,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of rigorous fire drills and other emergency protocols in the hospital setting, Hugo explained how regular drills ensure that everyone is fully aware of emergency protocols and can execute emergency procedures flawlessly under pressure. This was evident as the team sprang into action, their co-ordinated efforts reflecting their training and commitment to keeping patients, colleagues and the hospital buildings safe.
He added: “This is a powerful illustration of how preparedness, training, and determination of spirit can overcome daunting challenges. I could not be prouder of my colleagues, the majority of whom were women – what a fitting start to Women’s Month.”
Pretoria News
zelda.venter@inl.co.za
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