As the Western Cape starts counting the cost of the devastating storms experienced over the past two weeks, stories of hope are starting to emerge, including the rescue of a Calitzdorp woman who went into labour.
At least 651 people were rescued from floodwaters across the province, with rescue crews from multiple agencies involved.
On one such occasion last week, EMS crews were dispatched to a maternity case on a farm outside Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo. Floodwaters prevented ambulance access, while adverse weather conditions meant AMS could not respond by air.
On the ground, Calitzdorp EMS Shift Leader Norman Swartz worked closely with EMS Ladismith Station Manager, Janine Ruiters Makier, to assess access routes and coordinate the response.
Their efforts were supported by local farmers, who were monitoring river levels and road conditions in the area.
Janine described the moment when rising floodwaters cut off access to a pregnant patient due to give birth.
“We knew there was flooding. We know the river and thought if we could just find a road to get through, or get a ladder from the local fire station, we could reach the mom and baby. But after assessing, we realised this would not be possible.”
At the patient’s side was Cornelle Meiring, a local teacher from Calitzdorp, who stepped in to assist.
Together, Janine and Norman made the decision to provide remote clinical support.
Working with the local emergency control centre and healthcare colleagues, including the Oudtshoorn Hospital maternity unit, arrangements were made to support the patient as best as possible under the circumstances. The maternity team also made telephonic contact to check on the mother and offer additional support.
Janine guided Cornelle through preparing for the delivery, using available resources to ensure basic safety measures.
“We asked her to get the supplies needed. If there were gloves, scissors and some other supplies, we asked her to get them ready.”
As labour progressed, a video call was made to guide the process. At approximately 17:15, the patient went into active labour. With calm, step-by-step support, the baby was successfully delivered.
“When I saw the baby for the first time, I was so grateful. I could see the pink cheeks and that the baby was okay. We asked them to check the fingers and toes to make sure everything was fine.”
Janine remained in contact to monitor both mother and baby until further assistance could be arranged. Once weather conditions improved, AMS airlifted the mother and baby for further care.
Janine emphasised that the response was a collective effort: “In rural areas, you help each other. Because we know each other, everyone comes together and does their part,” she said.
She highlighted the role of local farmers, including farmers from Kannaland, and community members, who provide early warnings and critical local knowledge.
“They tell us when the rivers are coming down and when flooding starts. They help us stay aware of what is happening on the ground.”
Expressing her appreciation, she added: “To the community of Calitzdorp, the farmers in Kannaland and beyond, and all the EMS staff and local municipality, I can only thank them. I can only be the manager I am because of them; they are my hands and my eyes.”
