Durban - A trauma surgeon recognised for performing emergency surgery on a man impaled by a pole after a car crash, said saving the man’s life had been a team effort.
Dr Mike Faurie, 37, was awarded the Member of the Executive Council’s Annual Excellence Award by Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, at a ceremony on Friday.
Speaking to the Daily News on Monday, Fourie said it was always nice to know one’s work was appreciated and did not go unnoticed. But said the rescue was a collective effort by paramedics, firefighters and the trauma surgery team at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital.
Faurie had been flown to the scene by the department’s air ambulance, because members of emergency services - who were the first to arrive on the scene - realised that removing the 30-year-old driver would endanger his life.
Faurie believed there was a need for more trauma health professionals in the country, and dedicated trauma hospitals in each major city.
“There is a huge trauma burden in South Africa, with road crashes, gunshots, stabbings and other life-threatening injuries. We really need more health professionals in trauma,” said the surgeon.
After qualifying as a general surgeon, Faurie was inspired by his university mentor to go into trauma surgery and joined Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital late last year.
“From a medical point of view, the challenge of surgery and excitement which comes from it and the management thereafter, is very rewarding.”
The Westville Boys’ High School old boy credits his parents, Maureen and Pierre, for teaching him empathy and patient care.
“I have big footsteps to follow: my mom was a nursing sister and my dad a GP. I am very lucky to have parents like them,” he said.
Daily News