23 October 2024 – On 4th August 2012, while hiking up Myburgh’s Ravine in Hout Bay with a group of friends Nehanda slipped and fell 15 – 20 meters down the waterfall, landing on large rocks at the bottom of the waterfall. “Unconscious from the fall, I gained consciousness 10 mins after landing at the bottom and remained conscious until I got to the hospital a few hours later”, Nehanda recalls. One of her friends raced down the mountain to find cell phone reception to call for emergency assistance while the rest of her friends made sure she was stable until paramedics arrived.

“Eventually paramedics got me onto a stretcher and hoisted me up to the AMS helicopter, piloted by Captain Donovan Kohl. This was my first time in a helicopter and despite the circumstances, I was extremely excited for a helicopter ride” Nehanda continues.

Despite the passing of time, the memory of her injuries serves as a reminder of how fragile life is. She recalls the result: two fractured femurs, a fractured lumbar vertebrae, a hangman’s fracture, a smashed-up jaw broken in two places, four missing front teeth, a fractured ulna, a cut femoral artery bleeding externally, and a little sliced scalp.

A four-hour emergency surgery, 11 days in ICU, seven weeks on my back in hospital, a few months in a back brace and crutches, multiple dentures, and dental surgeries. 11 years later and I am fully recovered and extremely grateful to the rescue and the work that they do when people like me accidentally find themselves in impossible situations.”

The actions of the bystanders and medical responders were notable in reducing further injuries, which significantly contributed to Nehande’s full recovery.

Our heartfelt thanks to Nehanda Magan, owner of Nehanda Design and winner of the 2014 Southern Guild Industrial Design Apprenticeship Award for the donation of soft toys, each beautifully hand-made with love for our precious little patients.

Nehanda has donated a few of her beautiful handmade soft toys, each crafted with care and attention to detail serve as tangible symbols of support, bringing smiles to the faces of our little patients onboard our aircraft.

Nehanda not only extends her generosity through her donation but also shows her appreciation and gratitude for someone who has experienced being rescued first-hand.

These cuddly companions will offer warmth, reassurance, and companionship when it’s needed most. “Thank you Nehanda, your donation will undoubtedly brighten the lives of the little ones. As a patient rescued twelve years ago by the Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS/AMS rescue helicopter, her contribution carries a profound personal significance,” said Farhaad Haffejee AMS CEO. Through her donation, she not only supports the well-being of others but also honours the dedicated individuals who played a pivotal role in her rescue, creating a beautiful cycle of kindness and gratitude.

If you wish to support Nehanda’s business you can find her on www.nehandadesign.co.za