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Home , London Ambulance Service

Difficult roads can take you on a Beautiful journey

10 PATIENT STORIES TO INSPIRE HOPE Hello If you’re reading this booklet then your clinicians treating you, you have been life has probably just been flipped given a head start and you’re in the upside down. Everything you thought best possible hands. The next days, was ahead of you feels like it’s flown weeks and months might, at times, out of the window. But what you will feel unmanageable, but when you find on the following pages is that have questions, ask for answers and there’s still a future and that life still when you cry, follow it with a laugh. holds amazing opportunities for you. Everyone who has experienced You are just starting an incredibly trauma is holding your hand through challenging journey, unique to you, the darkness. One day you too will but you are not alone. With the expert have a story you can tell.

Katie José’s wife (story on p42) Blog link: http://zulu-conqueringtetraplegia.blogspot.co.uk/

2 3 The beautiful journey Our Patient Stories of today can only

01 Steve 06 begin when we learn 02 Aderonke 10 to let go of yesterday. 03 Jack 14 04 Jemma 18 05 Sacha 22 06 Vicky 26 07 Jacqueline 30 08 Andy 34 09 Tania 38 10 José & Katie 42

4 5 01 “It all happened so “It hit my family hard. fast, there were lots of people involved, No one wants to watch Steve’s I was surrounded” their son go through that.”

t had been a long hard day of work Iin the blazing summers sun. Steve, Story eighteen years old at the time, was self-employed in the construction The fight turned nasty and someone Steve woke up the following day in the industry and had been working all pulled out a knife. Steve was stabbed intensive care unit at the Chest day in Hackney. As many do after a in the left side of his chest. The blade Hospital in . long day, he organised a catch up penetrated his heart. “It was an odd feeling, the whole thing really with a group of friends at a local pub. A London’s Air team was a blur”, remarked Steve. As he didn’t transferred to a ward, I continued having However, the atmosphere was icy and was dispatched, alongside the London have any identification on him, the nurses physiotherapy and occupational therapy. I before long another group of young Ambulance Service. At this point Steve was were unable to contact his parents until he was discharged after six days. I remember Incident men started giving them unwanted clinically dead. His heart wasn’t beating. had regained consciousness. Alistair and Heather, the London’s Air Penetrating attention. After a series of altercations, The team had to work fast and needed to “It hit my family hard”, said Steve; “no one Ambulance doctor and team a fight broke out. “It all happened so perform open chest surgery right there and wants to watch their son go through that. But that treated me, coming to visit. When they fast”, said Steve. “There were lots of then. They worked quickly and effectively. my recovery was quick, the next day I was arrived, my dad was sitting next to my bed, Injury people involved, I was surrounded; I After opening Steve’s chest, they closed up walking and using the phone – I felt like which was fully made. They thought the worst really don’t remember much more from the wound to his heart and managed to get I needed to, but it was hard, I had lost lots and were both really shocked to see me up Stabbing to the heart that night.” his heart beating again. of weight and I was very weak. After being and walking so soon after the incident.”

6 7 “Of course I had dark moments Steve went home around Easter. “I tried to take it easy when I came out of the hospital. I had lots of check-ups and kept having to where I didn’t want to do anything. go back. I didn’t have time to think about what had happened to me. There were news reporters down the street, I went on I couldn’t work but I had to take talk shows, I was even on the Pride of Britain awards, I did interviews for the paper, it was really busy.” Although his chest wound was healing well, he had to be readmitted again my mind off things. I spoke to my to treat a wound infection. Steve was the first person to survive open heart surgery in a pre-hospital environment. family and doctors about how I felt, The technique is well established in hospital practice, but at the time it wasn’t a technique commonly used in the pre-hospital setting. which really helped.” Steve stayed with his parents for a while after the incident, but moved back to his You are always own house within a few weeks. “I didn’t want to depend on people”, said Steve. “Of course I had dark moments where I didn’t your mind. Of course things brought back “I want my children to see me being going to have down want to do anything. I couldn’t work, but memories, when I take my top off the strong and enjoying life. It is your life, so I had to take my mind off things. I spoke memories still flood back, but, I am here to make it what you want to make it. My main to my family and doctors about how I felt, tell the tale. You have to put it behind you, advice to others is to be strong in the mind. which really helped, I had a strong bond as years go on it does get better. Now it Be positive and listen to yourself. Give days, but you will with the pre-hospital doctors, I knew they doesn’t affect my day to day life and I am yourself things to look forward to. You’re wouldn’t want me to be sat moping around not going to let it. I try not to be negative and always going to have down days but you at home after they had saved me.” now I look to the future more.” will pull through. You can do this. Don’t feel pull through.” “I started swimming and doing exercise. Steve is now father to three wonderful scared to talk to people about how you’re Slowly at first but I built it up. When you children and continues to work in the feeling. Don’t keep things to yourself. You strengthen your body you start to strengthen construction industry. are not alone.”

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uesday 13th January 2014 started The London Ambulance Service, to wallow in my sorrow – they used to sit T like every other day for Aderonke supported by London’s Air Ambulance, me out in a wheelchair or in the chair. It Joseph, an IT training team manager. responded to the incident. Ronke’s right definitely helped.” She was making her way into work leg had been partially amputated and the In total Ronke spent six weeks at The ADERONKE’S and whilst waiting for the lights to doctors attending quickly anaesthetised . During this time change on a pedestrian crossing, her, before taking her to she underwent a series she was hit by an out of control car. The Royal London Hospital, “Even from the of operations, primarily to Fortunately, she was behind a set of which was the nearest Major clean the wound and allow metal railings and they took the initial Trauma Centre. roadside I felt for skin grafting. Story impact, however, they buckled under At the hospital, the trauma “Before the operations the force striking her right leg as the surgeons had no choice but comforted by I stayed positive and kept car careered off. to amputate Ronke’s right God; He was a strong faith – always at A crowd assembled and a passer-by leg above her knee. “Even the back of your mind is promptly dialled ‘999’. “I didn’t pass out”, though it came as a shock, by my bedside the question ‘what if I don’t stated Ronke, “I remember screaming, I I knew from the roadside wake up?’; but, I always couldn’t feel the pain. Initially, I hadn’t seen that my leg had been badly throughout.” had my husband, friend or what had happened to my leg; I didn’t even damaged”, said Ronke. “My someone from church there look at it. When I laid down on the ground, I family were initially more tearful than I was. to reassure me and pray with me. Religion could hear my husband’s voice. I had been My attitude was ‘let’s look on the bright helped me the most throughout the whole Incident on the phone to him before the accident. side…I am still alive’.” process. Even from the roadside, I felt He was away on a business trip, and the “In those first few weeks I was mentally comforted by God; He was by my bedside Car vs. Pedestrian headphones must have been knocked in a good place, although I wouldn’t say throughout. I believe that things happen out of my ears with the impact. It was only there were never tears. One thing that for a reason and something good always Injury when I put my hand in my pocket to get stood out, was how the staff on the trauma comes from them. Things could be a my phone, that I saw the crumpled bones ward did everything to get me up, out of million times worse – I can still speak and Traumatic leg amputation in my leg.” bed and moving around. I wasn’t allowed do everything.”

10 11 “After four weeks on the trauma ward I was On the ward, Ronke received a visit From The Royal London Hospital, made a list. I wrote down what I needed that the sensations made my prosthetic well enough to wheel myself around. I had from the ‘Limbless Association’. This is Ronke was transferred to the Amputee to have upstairs and downstairs and from limb feel heavier and by the end of the day, seen people come and go, but unfortunately I a charity that matches patients to other Rehabilitation Unit in for seven the minute I wrote down my routine things at times I was tired, short tempered and had to play the waiting game for the skin graft amputees that have experienced similar weeks of intensive physiotherapy. “The first looked brighter. I discovered that having a fed up. I have now reduced the on my leg to heal enough to go to rehab. amputations or accidents. “I met a man day I settled in and from the second day high table beside me was really useful to medications I was taking and During this time I was well enough to help who had a below knee amputation fifteen onwards I had physiotherapy every day, stack things. During this whole time, my although it didn’t work for me, other people on the ward with little things they years previously. He was walking with a except Sundays. I was walking with the husband was brilliant; he never looks at I tried mirror box therapy, which “There is a needed, like glasses of water. This helped me walking stick. It really didn’t bother him; he training leg, strengthening my upper body disability as a negative. I think this whole I have heard has helped other cope, as it took the focus away from myself was getting on with life – this really helped and learning how to perform every day process has brought us closer.” amputees. I am hoping to go for and what I was going through.” to motivate me”. simple tasks safely. For example, in breakfast Ronke returned home in April and by some pain therapy at the end of light at the end club we learnt how to move around the May she had decided to return to work this year, to see if it helps”. kitchen safely.” in August. “People say that I’m a strong “Although everyone says that “By the third week there was a doubt as person, but I am blessed with the right I have come a long way, I still to whether I was going to be able to use support; it really makes things a lot easier. have a long way to go – I don’t – don’t dwell a prosthetic leg, because my skin graft still The thought of not having support is too feel like I have arrived at where hadn’t healed. I was devastated. Luckily difficult to bear.” I will be yet.” over the next few weeks it healed enough Ronke, like many other individuals with “My advice to patients would an amputation, suffers from phantom limb be – don’t be too hard on on the future. to measure for a prosthetic leg. The new leg, although it will never be like the real sensations. “I am now in my third year of yourself. Live in the moment, thing, was so much easier than the training phantom limb sensations and the severity thinking 20 years down the line leg.” At the end of the rehabilitation, Ronke has reduced slightly. What I experience are won’t help you in the short term. Live for now.” was walking independently, with only the uncomfortable sensations, which feel like Take one day at a time, although aid of a walking stick. my foot is heavy and being squashed. It things seem bleak, we live in a country “Arriving home was a struggle. I could also feels like my foot is turned the wrong where there is an NHS and many different only tolerate wearing the leg for around an way and is shorter than the other one.” medical professionals, who will work with hour a day and taking it on and off was still Ronke was started on pain medications, you to help get you back on your feet. difficult. I do have a wheelchair, but I have which helped, especially in the evenings; “I Cooperate and work with them, they have three floors in my house. My husband had to came to realise that relaxation helped the walked down this road with many patients – carry the wheelchair up and down the stairs sensations. The severity remained the same walk with them. I’m not saying the process and the last thing I wanted was another for about a year and a half, although I had isn’t hard, it really is, but there will be people casualty. To help me cope I sat down and good and bad days. On bad days, I found to help you along the way.”

12 13 03 “I felt as though I In loving memory of was dead. How could JACK’S Chelsea Cannon & Carrie Maclaren. I possibly be alive?” ack Martindale had just turned 21, The call was responded to by the devastating accident that their son was Jhe was in his final year of an English emergency services, including London part of. Story and Politics degree and was set to Ambulance Service and London’s Air At the hospital they received the news obtain a respectable 2:1. In the early Ambulance and the group were quickly they had hoped they would never hear; hours of 1st January 2010, Jack was transported to The Royal London Hospital, Jack had suffered a traumatic brain injury. travelling home with four of his closest a Major Trauma Centre, after receiving life At that stage the amount of cognitive friends, after spending the 2010 New saving road-side treatment. impairment he had obtained was unknown. Year festivities at the Brick House, It was in those early hours that Jack’s He remained in a coma for 3 months and a nightclub in Brick Lane. He and his parents received the grave news that no underwent extensive facial reconstructive friends had a quiet night due to the parent ever wishes to hear – their son had surgery, by the Maxillo-Facial Unit, where Incident extortionate London drinks prices and been hit by a car and was in The Royal 30 titanium plates were placed into his jaw. reached at around 5am London Hospital. At this stage Jack’s Jack only has vague recollections from Car vs. Pedestrian in the morning. Whilst walking home condition was unknown and his parents the night of the accident, although he can they were disastrously struck by a and sister rushed across town, desperate vividly remember the dreams he had whilst fast-moving car; the car had mounted to learn more. Little did they know that in a coma – “I felt as though I was dead. Injury the pavement and sped uncontrollably the serious accident that delayed their How could I possibly be alive? This can’t be Traumatic brain injury into the group. Jack was knocked journey around Palmers Green, was the happening to me.” unconscious at the scene and luckily the one remaining fully conscious friend was able to dial ‘999’.

14 15 Upon ‘waking’, Jack was not only it is accepting that they are not going to confronted with the fact that he had come back.” obtained a severe brain injury and was Jack’s brain injury left him with severe “In a sense it’s not about classed as having cognitive dysfunction, amnesia and ataxia, which affected both but two of his closest friends, one of his muscle coordination and speech. After a whom was his love interest at the time, total of four and a half months at The Royal overcoming your feelings, had lost their lives in the accident, whilst London Hospital, he was transferred to the the other two had been severely injured. Regional Neurological Rehabilitation Unit it’s about learning to cope “It’s a paradox. Although I am very lucky in the Hospital, where he spent to be alive, I’m not lucky. Being involved another four and a half months. He then – life is a coping strategy.” in that accident wasn’t lucky. However, underwent intensive full-time rehabilitation over time you learn to live with the grief, for nine months in the Queen Elizabeth there is no replacement for the people Foundation, a neurological rehabilitation you have lost, nothing makes up for centre in Surrey. He received both physical his degree and obtained an impressive them. But over time you learn to cope. and occupational therapy alongside 2:1. He has also written a book about his It’s not accepting that they are gone, but psychological support. experiences in the hope to reach others “In a sense, it’s not about overcoming in similar positions and to help them your feelings, it’s about learning to cope realise they are not alone, even though – life is a coping strategy. You can look at their situations are unique to them. Jack There is no replacement it like a Pandora’s Box – some things are has gone on to complete a counselling “ better left shut. You can’t deny that they course and he is working towards his have happened, although you can deal level 4 qualification, which will leave him Head injury timeline with them in the best way you can and as a fully practising counsellor - “I believe • 3 months in a coma in intensive care for the people you have lost. move forward. It is what it is…something I have found my future vocation.” • 1.5 months in The Royal London Hospital worse can always happen.” Jack is an inspiration and an advocate It’s now 5 years after the accident for never giving up. “It is what it is. • 4.5 months in Regional Neurological Rehabilitation Unit in Nothing makes up for them.” and Jack has accomplished much more Although I can accept that I have a brain the Homerton Hospital than anyone could ever have imagined. injury, the day I ever accept an inferior • 9 months full time intensive rehab at Queen Elizabeth Inspirationally he went on to complete quality of life, is the day I die.” Foundation, a neurological rehabilitation centre in Surrey • Home

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ate one Thursday night in April L2014, Jemma Foot, twenty-five years old at the time, was the victim of a violent crime in her own home. Her previous partner broke into the “I couldn’t let my house and attacked her, stabbing her repeatedly with a pair of scissors over JEMMA’S twenty times in her neck and face. The mother of three courageously children find me dead, didn’t scream or make a sound throughout the attack in fear that she would wake her young children, who they needed me alive.” Story were sleeping upstairs at the time. After the attacker fled, Jemma ran out into the street screaming for help. At this Luckily a neighbour heard Jemma’s arms and a deep laceration to her eye point, her eyesight started to blur and she screams and called ‘999’. The London socket. Worryingly, a large bruise had rushed back inside to the bathroom. It was Ambulance Service was tasked to started to appear over her neck indicating only then that she started to fully realise the incident, alongside London’s Air a possible injury to the main blood vessel what had happened. “I just kept patting Ambulance advanced trauma team, due to to the brain. An injury of this sort is most my face and my arms. I pulled myself the nature of the injury. When the doctors commonly fatal and it was crucial the team Incident together, grabbed a towel and wrapped arrived at the scene, the police had already worked fast to save her life. it around my neck, I felt all shivery and cordoned off the house and Jemma was Jemma was rushed to The Royal London Assault cold”. At this point Jemma started to drift in the back of the ambulance with the Hospital, a Major Trauma Centre, where she in and out of consciousness. “Whilst I . Although she was conscious had a scan to look at the blood vessels in Injury was unconscious I had a vision of my late and speaking, communication was difficult her neck. This revealed a tear in her carotid grandmother and she told me it’s not your as Jemma is congenitally deaf. Her artery, the main artery supplying blood to Multiple penetrating injuries time to die, go back, your children need were extensive and there were numerous the brain, and she was quickly taken into you. I just kept telling myself not to die, puncture wounds to her neck, across her an operating theatre to fix the tear. I couldn’t let my children find me dead. They needed me alive.”

18 19 Jemma’s mother, Barbara, who is When Jemma awoke from the “Waking up from a coma facing the also congenitally deaf, was informed operation, it was discovered that she reality that I had lost the use of one of my Are you deaf aware? about the attack by the police. However, had suffered a and she was arms and hand was the hardest thing I • Make sure you have the • Check whether the person communication was difficult and after being paralysed down her left side. This is a have ever had to accept and get on with. person’s attention before you understands what you are rushed to hospital in the back of a police car, serious known complication, and is It’s not that I had to learn to sign with she found it difficult to understand the nurses caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. only one hand, I just had to get on with it. start speaking. saying and if not, try saying it in a different way. and doctors. Although she knew what had The stroke caused her brain to swell Luckily most words in British sign language • Use places with good lighting happened, she didn’t fully understand the over the following days and to relieve the normally use one hand and I communicate severity of Jemma’s condition until the next pressure, part of her skull was removed. quite well with speech.” (to make lipreading easier) and • Keep your voice down, as it’s day, when a sign language translator came Jemma remained in intensive care in an After her time spent at The Royal little, or no, background noise uncomfortable for a hearing aid to the hospital to translate for her. The induced coma for ten days following London Hospital, Jemma was then moved are best for conversation. user if you shout and it surgeon that rushed Jemma into theatre the operation. She was then moved to a specialist stroke rehabilitation unit in looks aggressive. had tried his best to communicate by writing onto the stroke ward and stayed in The Farnborough Hospital, where she spent • Face the person (to make everything down, but sign language is written Royal London Hospital for the next eight eight weeks and then onto lipreading easier) and speak very differently so a considerable amount of weeks, where she continued to get Hospital, where she spent a further three clearly, using plain language, information was missed in translation. stronger day by day. months. During this time she underwent normal lip movements and intensive physiotherapy to help build the strength in her left arm and leg. facial expressions. “During the long process, I felt like I would never be normal again, but look at me now. I’m still making lots of positive small steps. You never know what will “I keep winning again and again when criminology. I’ve been through a violent I felt like I happen in the future. I’m looking forward to crime and I’ve seen how it affects not “ leaving this chapter behind me now that I’m only the individual but also all their family home, the whole process has changed me I keep getting stronger day by day.” and friends.” Jemma hopes to set up a both for the better and the worse, but I’m domestic violence support group for other looking forward to the future. What helped victims, in the hope that sharing her story me through was keeping a positive attitude it’s time to move on’. I keep winning again She is getting around easier with her leg will help others move on with their lives. would never be and remaining strong. You can’t dwell on and again when I keep getting stronger brace and wheelchair. She continues to Advice to patients - “If I can do it, you things; you can’t let them get you down. day by day.” look forward and has big plans. “After what can do it too. Focus your mind to it and I kept telling myself ‘you can’t let him win Jemma is now fully independent and lives happened I don’t want to waste my life, I continue onwards. Take small steps at a normal again again, you’ve already won by being alive, at home with her three beautiful children. really want to go back to college and study time and don’t dwell too much on things.” 20 ” 21 05 acha was on a school trip to from his brain and was kept in intensive SRichmond Park when a falling tree care in an induced coma for twelve days, branch, weighing over 300kg, fell from to help his brain recover and prevent “Sacha spent a tree crushing him. Having been hit by subsequent . the equivalent of a large motorcycle, “The initial phase after the accident was the seven year old suffered severe head incredibly surreal”, said Jo. “You’re trying to injuries, he broke his leg, arms, pelvis, block out the reality of what has happened his eighth birthday back and five of his ribs. and shield yourself from the traumatic Sacha’s The emergency services were at his side things doctors are telling you. It’s hard to in minutes. The London’s Air Ambulance remember basic things like eating and in a coma.” team worked alongside London Ambulance drinking. Looking back, I think it’s important Service paramedics and anaesthetised to not become overwhelmed with the positive and encouraging each other was Just remember that those low points are Sacha in the park, to protect his brain from situation. If you feel you are not coping, just important. We looked forward to the next the worst it will be and things can and will Story further damage. He was then taken to The take a step out, take some deep breaths, stage of Sacha’s recovery all the time. get better. You may not be able to imagine Royal London Hospital. and re-engage when you feel you can. Keeping our minds on small steps ahead them yet, but they will.” Sacha’s mother, Jo, was ten minutes Doctors and nurses deal with trauma every kept the momentum going for us all.” When he was stable enough to be moved away when she received the call. She day, but don’t feel like you need to be super “Some stages were harder and longer into a high dependency unit, the decision rushed to the park with her two year old strong and fully engaged, if than others. The induced was made to move him to the Oxford John daughter, Stella, under her arm. “I was you need to shut down for a coma gave us a strange kind Radcliff Hospital. This was the nearest standing there looking at the doctor and while. Only take in what you of comfort, as we didn’t have available orthopaedic-neurology bed and Incident paramedic anaesthetising Sacha. I never feel able to at that moment.” to face the reality of whether where his multiple injuries could be managed. Tree branch thought we would one day need their help. “After the acute stage and Sacha would be ‘Sacha’ when At this point Sacha still wasn’t conscious. Now tubes were going into my son’s body when the doctors have told he woke up yet. When that “Sacha spent his eighth birthday in a vs. Patient and he was possibly about to die.” you what their prognosis day came, he did not wake up coma. The whole family couldn’t fit into his The severity of Sacha’s condition was is, you are allowed to have properly, he had three seizures hospital room and getting down to Oxford confirmed when the scan of his head your own feelings about and was re-induced back into with two little children was a struggle. Our Injury showed a diffuse traumatic brain injury. recovery. Doctors will never a coma. This was the point lives had changed forever. Our smallest, Traumatic brain injury Sacha was sent directly to Great Ormond give you false hope but when the prognosis was at Stella, turned two years old a few days after Street Hospital, to remove a bone fragment they cannot have the same type of hope its worst and the hardest to keep at bay the accident. She was really affected by all and determination that you have for the from devastating us all. There will be times the change and Luka, his eleven year old recovery of your own child. Staying hopeful, when you’re told to expect the very worst. brother, was starting secondary school.”

22 23 “Sacha’s brain injury meant we had no real “Luka refused to leave Sacha’s bedside and to let them see that I was still the same “My advice to other idea about how well he would be functioning and, as distraught as he must have been around Sacha. I tried to keep my family when he was conscious again. At first, he by seeing his little brother unconscious and smiling and I tried to make Sacha feel less couldn’t speak, he didn’t seem to recognise with tubes coming out of his body, he talked worried about his injuries by just carrying on us, and had some very disturbing episodes to him as if none of it was happening. He as I always did! Teasing him, watching silly families would be to just of ‘storming’, where his body relentlessly made jokes, spoke to him in silly voices and videos, the usual brother things!” thrashed around the bed because of his showed him videos on YouTube, until finally After a month in the John Radcliff Hospital, brain injury. He managed to break the one day Sacha laughed. We were overjoyed. Sacha moved to The Children’s Trust in screws in his broken femur because of this It was the first reaction he had since the Tadworth, a specialist centre for children take each day at a time.” and needed another operation on his leg.” accident, it was the first sign that his brain with brain injuries. “At this point Sacha was in high still worked.” dependency at the John Radcliff, not “Sacha started to make being separated from our other children for a A supportive school has helped, and they A difficult thing you might face is intensive care so he was not receiving one- progress and in less than “When moving from acute care in ITU, week at a time was very hard.” have tried to understand brain injury and seeing your child in a hoist and/or to-one care. That difference from intense three months he was ready “During rehab Sacha became more aware the impact on learning. They had never had wheelchair. In Sacha’s case, he had monitoring to being part of a ward was very to start learning how to walk to a hospital ward, make sure you have of his injuries and the impact this had on his a child in the school with a brain injury and a broken back, pelvis and femur. challenging. We would sit next to his bed again. Luka would always your friends around you, as the reality of brain and body. It can be hard to explain it’s been a learning curve for all of us. There Initially he wasn’t even allowed to while he ‘stormed’, or simply stared around be at his physiotherapy why an accident happened, what it means will always be challenges in a mainstream try and stand up. People had to do the room. This was one of the loneliest parts, sessions, motivating and what has happened does start to creep for them now and in the future. Take it slow learning environment, but with good support everything for him; washing, toileting, as the reality of what has happened does encouraging him: ‘Try to in and the length of the road in front of - there’s no need to talk about things that and understanding, we believe Sacha can moving, turning and dressing. This start to creep in and the length of the road in reach higher!’ and ‘Well you becomes apparent.” are far in the future. Talk about the here and go on to achieve great things!” can make you feel like less of a front of you becomes apparent.” done!’ he would say. When now, encouraging each little step, allowing parent, as you are not able to provide for frustration, sadness, and confusion. Your everything your child needs. It is your “Days and weeks went by without much Sacha had to wear a nappy Head injury timeline change at all; that was a very hard period because he couldn’t walk child will be feeling all the things you are overriding instinct to be in charge • 12 days in intensive care at Great to deal with. We tried not to think too far to the toilet, Luka would put on a nappy “Moving from hospital to live-in neuro feeling too. Staying hopeful that they can and lead the care for your child, and ahead, and appreciated the small things over his trousers to make the situation light rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust was a shift keep recovering will help them.” Ormond Street Hospital having to give that up is hard and very that did improve; like Sacha pointing to a hearted for Sacha. Luka asked Sacha’s in emotions for us”, said Jo. “Accepting that we “Sacha is now at school full time with in • One month in the high dependency emotional. It can be very traumatic photo of Stella when I held my phone up, doctors so many questions they even needed to go through three months of rehab class support. He has various strategies in unit and neurology ward at the John seeing your child in this way - my or tracking Luka when he came into the gave him their mobile numbers.” with Sacha was a positive thing but it meant place to help him deal with the effects of Radcliff hospital in Oxford advice is to stay positive in front of ward with his eyes. Little signs that Sacha “It’s shocking to see your brother or sister that Sacha needed a long time to recover and brain injury, which for him are processing, • Just over 2 months at Tadworth your child at all times. But remember was still there was enough to keep us injured and to see your parents upset too”, we still didn’t know what the outcome would remembering instructions, cognitive fatigue • Home to let out what you’re feeling to your going and hopeful.” said Luka. “I tried to stay positive for them be. Rehab also meant our family splitting up, and emotional and behavioural regulation. family or friends.”

24 25 06 n the morning of Monday 8th and save her leg. Unfortunately, the ODecember 2014, Victoria Lebrec, “I had such an next day, despite continual efforts by twenty-four years old at the time, the trauma surgeons, her left leg had was through London to work. to be amputated. Whilst cycling across a junction she overwhelming Vicky remained in intensive care in an collided with a lorry and was thrown induced coma for the following week and from her bike. feeling of relief she underwent a series of operations Vicky remained conscious after the where pins were used to help stabilise VICKY’s accident and still remembers the events her pelvis. Her parents and sister, Marie, that followed. “The police arrived first and that she had were constantly by her side. “The first cordoned off the area; then the paramedics few days after Vicky’s accident were so from the London Ambulance Service arrived. difficult, as she was still in such a critical The next thing I remember is the London’s survived the condition and there was a huge amount Story Air Ambulance team arriving. Simon, the air of uncertainty regarding her recovery”, ambulance doctor, talked me through what accident.” reflects Marie. “But despite this difficulty, would happen next.” I had such an overwhelming feeling Vicky had broken her pelvis in several of relief that she had survived the places and had severed the major blood accident. One thing that made those vessel that passes through the pelvis. She first few days bearable was the constant was slowly bleeding to death. The team using a technique called ‘REBOA’. This is Vicky was transported to The Royal communication that we received from Incident had a difficult decision to make; quickly where a balloon is used to block the main London Hospital, a Major Trauma Centre, all the doctors, surgeons and nurses transport her straight to a hospital and give artery from the heart at the umbilical level, and was taken straight into theatre. involved in Vicky’s care. They did such Lorry vs. Cyclist a blood transfusion on the way, or call the to stop the bleeding. The helicopter was Although the bleeding had been stopped, an amazing job; not only caring for her air ambulance crew on the helipad to bring swiftly dispatched and meanwhile Vicky the REBOA procedure is only a short- physically, but making sure that we were Injury further medical equipment to the scene. was anaesthetised on scene to ensure term solution, as it restricts the blood flow always in the loop with each update Vicky was deteriorating minute by minute. the procedure could be started as soon to the legs. Once in theatre the damaged every step of the way.” Traumatic pelvic injury The team didn’t think she would survive the as the team arrived. The procedure was a artery was found and repaired. Vicky was woken from the induced coma trip to hospital, so it was decided that the success; the bleeding was stopped. Now As she was still in a critical state it a week after the accident, but it was only and leg amputation best chance was to stop the bleeding by the main priority was to transport Vicky to was decided it would be best to allow about two weeks later when she started hospital so she could receive the lifesaving her to recover from the first operation to fully understand what had happened. “I definitive treatment she needed. and operate the following day to try remember the hallucinations I had whilst in

26 27 “I soon discovered that the little things I used to take for granted were difficult, like getting the train to work. It took a few intensive care. They were really scary, but wastage and pains in my legs. I could months’ practice to get used to it. The The first day you it wasn’t until I was on the trauma ward only cope with a maximum fifteen minutes process was very tiring and frustrating. that I started to remember what had out of bed, sitting in a wheelchair, before When you are part of a traumatic accident happened. On the ward I was in so much the pain was too bad to cope with. I was you go from being able to do everything to stand up on your pain, despite having strong painkillers, practically bedbound. During this time my suddenly being able to do nothing. It’s very everything was painful; I felt a lot of nerve mum looked after me; she had to assist me difficult to accept it and deal with it. It’s hard pain where my leg had been amputated. with all my day to day activities. She really to learn everything again.” Those few weeks were the worst.” During helped me through.” A few years on and Vicky is still recovering prosthetic leg is such those weeks Vicky also had a series of After three weeks at home, Vicky received from the accident physically and has had operations on her right leg to treat the a place in Roehamptom Rehabilitation over fourteen operations. She is now back tissue trauma caused by the accident. Centre. “I spent my days from nine till three Winning a Pride of Britain award with the at work with a new prosthesis and her In February Vicky was well enough working with the physiotherapists, walking London’s Air Ambulance team an amazing feeling. outlook on life continues to remain positive. to return home, to wait for a space at a on bars and learning to reuse my muscles. first day you stand up on your prosthetic “I’m doing so much better now and I’m rehabilitation centre. “It was so nice to be The physiotherapy was very intensive, but I leg is such an amazing feeling”. As well as back at work part time. I’m incredibly out of hospital and back at home again. was slowly getting better and all the while physiotherapy, Vicky received support from grateful that I can walk again. I have my to be. Will I be able to go back to work? I still wasn’t walking, due to the muscle my prosthetic leg was being fitted. The the occupational therapists. “They gave me independence back, whereas before I was Where will I live? What does the prosthetic my independence back; they taught me at the mercy of others.” leg look like? How does it work? How will how to shower in my wheelchair by myself. Vicky also visits patients in the hospital I walk?... All these questions are ones that “I soon discovered that I learnt how to get around the kitchen easier with similar injuries to the ones she had. “A only someone who’s been through the same and even made my own meals.” lot of people who are in the early stages of thing can really answer.” Vicky spent three months in trauma won’t have met anyone who has “My advice to patients would be - ‘Right the little things I used to take and when she left at the beginning of May had something similar happen to them”, after the accident you are at the worst stage, she could walk with the aid of two walking reflects Vicky. “I found it really helpful when everything from where you are now will sticks. After returning home, it didn’t take someone who similarly also suffered a improve. Irrespective of what the accident for granted were difficult… long for Vicky to start working towards her traumatic amputation came to see me at was, you are lucky to be alive and with the next goal. “When you first leave hospital you The Royal London Hospital. When you’re right support you will be able to get your life, The process was very aren’t working towards goals. Even though going through something like that, the most as close as possible, back to how it was you’re better, you are mainly concentrating difficult thing is picturing how your life is going before the accident.” on building up your strength. It was nice tiring and frustrating.” to aim towards getting back to work. That was my goal.”

28 29 07

ust after 6pm on 5th May 2010, All the while the JJacqueline Cave was leaving work were desperately attempting to find to go home. Whilst crossing the road Jacqueline’s family; since her condition “You just don’t Jacqueline’s she was hit side on by a bus and was critical, they were fighting the clock sustained a traumatic brain injury. to ensure her family members had Her head initially collided with the bus an opportunity to say goodbye. “You before hitting the road. just don’t expect it to happen to you”, expect it to Bystanders immediately dialled ‘999’ reflects Jacqueline’s mother. “I was in a Story and within minutes a paramedic team daze from the shock. The police drove from the London Ambulance Service was me to The Royal London Hospital on dispatched, alongside a team from London’s blue lights. They weren’t expecting her happen to you” Air Ambulance. On scene Jacqueline was to make it.” anaesthetised and intubated to manage “She finally came out of the operating her head injury. theatre in the early hours of the morning. occupational therapists, started her described how “the whole time you try to The decision was made to take her to The I was in complete shock when they rehabilitation. She was later moved to hang on to snippets of hope. Although, Royal London Hospital in , a Major pushed her past the family room into University Hospital Lewisham, where she the doctors don’t want to give you false Trauma Centre. Here they could provide the intensive care. She was unrecognisable. spent a further three months and then to hope, you can’t get through the situation immediate life-saving treatment she needed. I was in disbelief.” The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in unless you believe there is a chance. I On arrival, Jacqueline had a scan of her head Jacqueline spent a month at The Royal , where she spent six months. will always remember one doctor who Incident and was taken straight into theatre, to try and London Hospital; here the rehabilitation During this time, her mother visited said ‘look she’s fighting to stay alive, we Bus vs. Pedestrian evacuate the blood clot in her brain. team, made up of physiotherapists and daily and stayed by her bedside. She have to fight with her’”. Injury Traumatic brain injury

30 31 to family and friends really helped me to work through the grieving process and come out “Although, the doctors the other side.” “I found the best coping strategies were in keeping busy and mapping out the time in don’t want to give you false the week, to ensure my time was occupied. I took up new hobbies and in 2014 I ran the London Marathon for the Putney neuro- hope, you can’t get through rehabilitation centre.” I have good days and bad Throughout her rehabilitation, Jacqueline’s mother remained a support by her side. days. The best advice I can the situation unless you “There were times that I was emotionally and physically worn out. Being a carer during give other patients and families is to the rehabilitation process was difficult, but believe there is a chance.” phases do pass.” stay positive, be patient and don’t Jacqueline now gives motivational talks aimed at people with brain injuries and their families, as well as at medical professionals. give up hope. I still have further to Jacqueline’s first memory after the and occupational therapy, along with times, but it’s important to talk about how go in my rehabilitation. Only in subtle accident was during her time at Putney. speech and language therapy and you feel; it’s better to have it all out in the Head injury timeline “Putney is a brilliant place, it’s not just a psychological support. open, than to internalise your feelings. • 1 month at the RLH hospital, it feels more like a community. “Being discharged and returning home I found it difficult to learn the basic everyday ways, but I’m working on leaving You aren’t always on a ward in a bed was very difficult. It is hard going from an activities that we take for granted, like • 3 months at University Hospital during the day. There is music, table top environment rich in resources to receiving walking, talking and swallowing.” Lewisham the accident in the past and going sales and activities to keep you busy. community support a few hours a week. “It takes time to readjust to the new life. • 6 months at The Royal Hospital There is such a richness in experience, Recovering from a head injury is a very long In a sense, I was going through a grieving for Neuro-disability forward into the future without it being knowledge and skills from all the staff”. process; I couldn’t even cross the road process for the things I had lost. You can’t • Home During this time she received physical when I left Putney…It was very difficult at deny that it has happened. However, talking in the forefront of my mind.”

32 33 08 n May 2014, Andy Holmes, an on- I was nervous of looking at my stump as it had Iduty police officer, was hit from always been covered up since the operation. behind while on his motorcycle at a The physiotherapists saw that the bandage was roundabout. He was thrown from the bike and collided with a sign at the loose when I was transferring and simply removed it side of the road, suffering broken revealing my stump. This was a great relief as she did ribs, a broken arm, and a traumatic amputation of his right leg. it without looking apprehensive or worried.” Andy’s Bystanders immediately dialled ‘999’ and placed a tourniquet on his leg. Within minutes, a team of paramedics from Andy was taken to The Royal London was converted into above the knee, a removed it revealing my stump. This the London Ambulance Service arrived Hospital, where he underwent two physiotherapist came in to help me get was a great relief, as she did it without alongside a team from London’s Air operations. He woke up eight hours later. out of bed and transfer onto a chair. I still looking apprehensive or worried. This Story Ambulance. On scene they gave Andy “When I woke up in intensive care, my had a bandage on my stump and I hadn’t somehow normalised my condition and an anaesthetic to take away his immense wife Claire was at my bedside. She was seen how my leg looked. I was nervous I saw that my stump wasn’t anything to pain and control his breathing. obviously very nervous about telling me of looking at my stump as it had always be fearful of. All of the above helped me “I clearly remember the collision and the that my leg had been amputated and as been covered up since the operation. realise that although less than perfect, aftermath. I tried to stand up and quickly such, her first words to me were ‘Well at The physio saw that the bandage was an amputation certainly isn’t the end of realised that it wasn’t going to happen. I lay least I’ll be able to beat you running now!’ loose when I was transferring and simply the world.” on the ground and looked down at my leg. This was good to wake up to, as it lifted After a week and a half, Andy was I can remember seeing that the protective the moment for both of us. Claire then relocated to Frimley Park Hospital in Incident motorcycle trousers had split open and I told me that I had lost the lower part of Surrey, where he started his physical and could see that my lower leg had done the my right leg. It wasn’t a surprise to me occupational therapy. He remained there Car vs. Motorcycle same. I knew then that it was very serious and I remember the overwhelming feeling for a week and a half before returning and that I was in the hands of others if I was of relief that I had actually woken up but home for a month whilst his referral to going to survive. The air ambulance team also sadness that I had lost my leg.” Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton Injury arrived and I remember the doctors and “From the beginning my amputation was arranged. Traumatic leg amputation paramedics talking between themselves. was talked about and was not hidden In Roehampton, Andy was fitted for a I remember hearing ‘partial amputation’ which was helpful. A moment I will prosthetic leg and started to learn how to just before I was put to sleep.” always remember was a day or so after walk again. He was a day patient for only my second surgery, when my amputation three weeks before he was discharged,

34 35 walking well with his prosthetic leg. “It’s suffer with phantom pain and for some, important to remain positive. Although it’s this pain can die down. Knowing the “It’s important to remain been a massive injury and a big shock for triggers for pain and understanding it, or everybody, it does get better. You can get trying to, is helpful for me.” up and about and start walking again. It “It has also been helpful to talk about positive. It does get better. takes determination and strong will, but what’s happened and what might happen if you’ve got that, you’ll be walking again later with my family – it stopped me from fairly soon.” bottling my emotions up. Claire was It takes determination and “I suffered, and still do, from phantom brilliant. She effectively kept the family limb pain. Initially it was more of a going while I was in hospital and on the sensation rather than pain; like a breeze road to recovery. She found it helpful to strong will.” blowing over my missing try and keep to a routine, especially where “She effectively kept the leg or it felt as though the kids were concerned. She was open my leg was hanging with them from the very first day, so that get to Roehampton, to start walking, to “I want to reassure anyone going through down through the bed they were kept informed about what was start getting out of the house, to look a similar incident that it is not the end of family going while I was to the floor. These going on. This was difficult, but ultimately at driving again, to get back to work their world. Life certainly goes on. Some sensations were very we thought it better the kids were kept and ultimately to get back to being able adjustments are needed and you may not in hospital and on the road real and I found some informed. Both Claire and I spoke about to enjoy life with my family. Once I had be able to do everything you did before, or comfort in them, rather when the kids should come up and see achieved these, and the first year was to the same level, but there is generally a to recovery. She found it than discomfort. After me and in the end we decided it wasn’t over, the permanency of the amputation way around things.” about six months, the until a week after the collision when I was with before. This was important to me, hit home. As I settled back into ‘normal’ “Do not be afraid to ask for help and it helpful to try and keep to sensations turned more on a ward and stronger. Contact was very as it offered stability.” Andy currently life, living day to day with the additional may be that people close to you can see painful.” Andy has been important and I spoke with the kids daily works as an intelligence and tasking difficulties was, and remains, difficult. changes within yourself that you cannot. a routine, especially where taking medication for the after leaving the high dependency unit. officer for the department. I was diagnosed with mild depression, Listen to loved ones. Counselling isn’t phantom pains and pins Claire would take videos and send them “It’s fair to say that the first year for which I have received cognitive anything to be frightened of and talking the kids were concerned.” and needles, although to me, which was brilliant.” following my collision, I was going behavioural therapy. This has really about feelings, both good and bad, is great it doesn’t fully remove After nine months off work, Andy through survivor euphoria and I set helped me and I would encourage for the soul! There are charities out there for them. “Although uncomfortable, with returned to work in the same department short term goals to help focus on the anyone going through a major trauma financial help if needed, so don’t feel like medication, my pain is generally bearable. he had left, the Roads Policing future. My goals were to get home, to to consider counselling.” you have to go through something alone.” There are better and worse days, but it Department. “Although I was office bound, is always there. Some amputees do not I was working with people I had worked

36 37 09

n 9th August 2007, Tania was We were told that Tania would never Over time, Tania’s physical health slowly Ostruck by a motorcycle whilst improved and after four months in The waiting to cross the road. She was Royal London Hospital she was transferred twenty-six at the time and working as walk again due to her injuries; but I was to Northwick Park Rehabilitation Unit. an International Marketing Manager, Alongside her physical ailments, Tania had Tania’s who travelled the world on business. unable to accept the finality of the word never; extensive cognitive and behavioural deficits, She had recently completed a Masters which made her care difficult, as she started in Marketing and had a 1st class degree especially knowing my daughter’s personality to act out against her carers. Although it was in Management Sciences. obvious her change in character was due Story The motorbike had been travelling at and the constant progress she was making.” to her brain injury, her behaviour continued speed and hit Tania whilst overtaking another to deteriorate and she regularly lashed out car. She was thrown over thirty metres by Police phoned and told me Tania was involved at carers physically. For a short time, her the impact and knocked unconscious. The in an accident. I was shocked, I couldn’t physiotherapy was even stopped, as the accident was reported by a passer-by and believe it, I started panicking. Essex Police physiotherapists couldn’t work with her. due to the severity of the incident, London’s took me to The Royal London Hospital. They Air Ambulance were called to the scene, said this could be my last visit.” alongside the London Ambulance Service. Tania was in a very serious condition. She Tania had sustained substantial injuries had sustained a traumatic brain injury, had a to her whole body and it was decided that chest injury, numerous fractures in her arms Incident the most appropriate treatment was to and legs and her pelvis was shattered. anaesthetise her, allowing the doctors to “Her injuries were unbelievable. After a Motorbike vs. Pedestrian take over her breathing, protect her brain, scan, she went straight to theatre. It felt like minimise her pain, and transport her quickly they had to put her back together. The worst Injury to The Royal London Hospital. part was her head injury.” Tania spent six “I will never forget that morning”, reflects weeks in an induced coma and underwent Traumatic brain injury Mariam, Tania’s mother. “The Metropolitan numerous operations.

38 39 Tania’s disability is a hidden disability. It’s very difficult. Of course she has good days and bad days, but the majority are good.” “Tania is still progressing; Tania has made a phenomenal recovery “Do not and has fully recovered physically. In regards to her memory, her short-term memory is continually improving and her past memories every little thing gives you are completely unaffected by the accident. Tania is now able to lead a life that is almost give up hope” entirely independent, with the continued hope and confidence that it support of her mother and some additional carers. She has amazed many with her continual progress and continues to do so. After six months she was moved to be possible. However, her behaviour was Advice to patients: Do not give up is going well. Tania’s disability Blackheath Neurological Rehab Unit, in the only getting worse. At this point Mariam hope; whilst it’s not easy, it is not hope that specialist care could help improve made the decision to take Tania home and impossible to recover. her behaviour. During this time her physical look after her personally. health kept improving and an X-ray showed “When she started walking, I took her is a hidden disability. It’s very that the bones in her legs were healing. But, home for a few days”, reflects Mariam, “I then Head injury timeline unfortunately her behaviour got worse; she asked if she could stay with me for a week • Six weeks in ITU in a coma even started swearing at carers, something and after that I asked for another week, until • Four months on the trauma ward she never did prior to the accident. After ten I finally decided to keep her home with me.” • Six months in Northwick Park difficult. Of course she has months, she was moved to Northampton Mariam completely dedicated herself to Rehabilitation Unit Neurological Rehabilitation Unit, in the hope Tania and slowly her behaviour and personality • Ten months in Blackheath that again a more specialist unit would be completely changed. “Of course things were Neurological Rehab Unit good days and bad days but able to cope with her behaviour. difficult…but she was like a sponge and was • Six months in Northampton Incredibly, Tania learnt how to walk again, quick to pick things up. I hate the word never. Neurological Rehab Unit during her time at the rehabilitation unit; Tania is still progressing; every little thing gives • Home something that people never thought would you hope and confidence that it is going well. the majority are good.”

40 41 10 In memory of José was taken to The Royal London Hospital, where it was discovered that he José -Antonio Barretta. had a fracture of the first vertebra in his “With an injury as spine, a fractured skull and numerous t approximately 8am on 25th April other fractured vertebrae, which had A2015, José took his dog, Bradley caused severe damage to his spinal cord, extensive as José’s José and for a morning walk in Oxleas Woods. from the level of the second vertebra down He took his off-road mountain bike, to to the seventh. He underwent an operation give Bradley a good run. It was a damp to stabilise his neck and was kept sedated no one was sure whether morning but they went along a route on a ventilator for the first few days. they knew well. While going down a “It was hard to take in what the doctors short 45-degree slope, his front wheel were saying”, explained Katie. “We knew Katie’s hit a rock and the bike stopped. José it was a very serious injury and although he would be able to was thrown over the handle bars and it was positive that he was alive, we were landed on his head. He remembered only looking forward hours at a time. Bradley licking his face and then Getting him to Spinal Injury Unit breathe unaided.” Story barking until someone arrived. was the best hope he had, however the an electrician in and each At this point he was breathing without José was found by a passing dog walker chances of him coming out of intensive lunchtime for some light exercise he would the aid of the ventilator or additional who rang ‘999’. He was conscious but care alive was never more than 50/50.” run up the dizzying stairs in the skyscraper, oxygen in the day and could sleep without struggling to breathe; he was unable to In the days after his operation, the not once but twice. In hospital, there the ventilator for a few hours at night. move, but in no pain. Paramedics were sedation was slowly reduced and a were difficult times. The first time he was The speech and language therapists Incident tasked alongside a London’s Air Ambulance tracheostomy was inserted to help his hoisted into a wheelchair was hard, as the started adding vocal physiotherapy, to road crew, due to the severity of José’s breathing. He started breathing exercises realisation dawned that it took two people help improve his speech. Mountain bike accident symptoms. The first paramedic arrived and and despite all the odds and occasions to help him into the chair.” “With an injury as extensive as José tried to give his name and address, where his heart even stopped due to the After spending just under a month at The José’s, no one was sure whether he then he cannot remember any more. lack of oxygen, he rocketed from having Royal London Hospital, José was transferred would be able to breathe unaided. But Injury Just before 9:30am Katie, José’s wife, short five-minute bursts off the ventilator to the intensive care unit in Stanmore, a three months after his accident his Spinal cord injury received a phone call. There had been to spending forty-five minutes off at a time. specialist orthopaedic hospital. After a tracheostomy was reversed and he an accident. “José was always pushing for more. He month in intensive care, he was transferred started eating soft foods, which really was very athletic and had been training to the spinal rehabilitation ward, to continue illustrates how each spinal cord injury is for an Alpine cycling trip. He worked as his physiotherapy and occupational therapy. truly unique.”

42 43 trip, mainly endurance. There were highs and lows, at one point it was just José and I, and I couldn’t get the wheelchair into During his time in Stanmore, José was “José found it difficult to express what he didn’t worry as much about anything”, the car – that was the moment I felt so let out on day release and it was the first wanted when the occupational therapists stated Katie. vulnerable and scared.” time since the accident that he had a date came to the house. So, we sat down and Whilst José was in Stanmore recovering “Throughout his recovery, we knew with Katie. She remembers the day well; created a word map of the most important from the infection, Katie and close friends time was limited, so we didn’t want to sit “Two nurses took us off-site to a pub away aspects of recovery for him. His main goal and family started to find ways to keep his at home. We just found a way to make from the hospital and we confused the was to share a bed with his wife.” spirits up. “At New Year, José was let out it work. If José wanted to do something, server by asking for two tables for two”, “José was only home for five weeks of Stanmore for ‘day release’ and all he then we found a way to make it happen. recalls Katie. “This was José’s first trip out before he was rushed to the local hospital wanted to do was to see the New Year’s The weekend before José died, it was a to the real world and a big milestone. We with pneumonia. It had started off as a day parade. Our attitude was ‘if that’s what beautiful sunny day and he wanted to see were both nervous, but we encountered no he wants then we will make it and smell the bluebells in the woods. So, problems and no staring, and I managed “At New Year, José was let out happen, but it wasn’t easy.” that’s what we did and it was beautiful.” to feed him without choking him or making When José returned José died nearly a year to the day of an unsightly mess.” of Stanmore for ‘day release’ home, the family settled into his accident. After three months in Stanmore, José a new routine with 24-hour “Every day I replay the events of both the had completed his rehabilitation and and all he wanted to do was to live-in carers. As they got day of his accident and the day José died, could go home. “We moved the furniture used to their new routine, and wonder at the things that could’ve been. to make it as accessible as possible”, see the New Year’s day parade. they made the decision that But you can’t keep torturing yourself with his medical management, which helped Advice for friends and families – said Katie. “Initially they wanted to put his they needed a holiday. “It what if’s. I have a close group of family and Katie know the values that were most encourage your loved ones to take time bed in the back-dining room, as it was Our attitude was ‘if that’s what was quite an undertaking, friends, who are such a tremendous support. important to him. when making decisions and give them the easiest to get the wheelchair into, but as we had a high list of Also, our dog Bradley is the best therapy, he “My advice for patients would be to space. When his friends raised money this would then be the only room he could he wants then we will make it requirements. We needed a makes me get up and out every day.” always remember who you are. Recovery for a new wheelchair, José was asked to enter. I decided it would be more “normal” place that was accessible to Although José had a short life after will take time, a lot of time. But if you can decide what features he wanted. Although to have his bed in the front room and still happen - but it wasn’t easy.’ wheelchairs, an adjustable his accident, he lived life to the full, remember what was important to you he was grateful, he found this upsetting use the sitting room where he could sit bed that we could share, a surrounded by his family and close friends. before the trauma, that you are still the same because he wasn’t ready to think of and see friends. The hospital environment hoist, shower chair, a spare His determination and drive helped him person, then the trauma won’t take control himself as a wheelchair user. Remember, is made to be wheelchair friendly, but mouth infection but it developed into a room for the carer and not to mention reach a point that astounded clinicians – of your life; cling onto your independence. it’s not like deciding what you want to eat things were more difficult at home, in and much bigger infection.” Before he could somewhere that accepted dogs. After lots he could breathe without a ventilator and José always made his own care decisions. for dinner, there’s a difficult journey to the out of the house. It was very isolating be transferred to Stanmore, José had of searching, we found a beautiful place even eat a regular diet. He took charge of This was important, as it put him in charge.” point of acceptance and that will take time. in a sense, as José was surrounded by two respiratory arrests, one of which left in the Peak District and there were lots of everything that he used to be able to do him with partial brain damage. “The brain places nearby that we could explore. José and enjoy. That was hard”. damage left him much more laid back, he even went caving. I learnt a lot from that

44 45 Useful Resources

After Trauma problems by providing expert Samaritans Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) information, support and education Offering a safe place to talk www.spinal.co.uk AfterTrauma www.brainandspine.org.uk/about-us at any time. Free advice line: 08009800501 A website that connects and Helpline: 08088081000 www.samaritans.org supports survivors of traumatic Headway Support line – 116 123 Victim Support injury and their families. The brain injury association Email – [email protected] www.aftertrauma.org Victim Support www.headway.org.uk/home.aspx Support for anyone who has been Road Related Amputation Free helpline: 08088002244 a victim of any crime or has been The Silverlining Brain Incidents affected by a crime.

Limbless Association Injury Charity www.victimsupport.org.uk Providing information and support Brake Rebuilding Lives After Brain Injury Support line: 08081689111 to UK amputees and the limb- The Road Safety Charity – www.thesilverlining.org.uk loss community. Help and support for anyone The Homicide Service Telephone - 02031742051 www.limbless-association.org injured or bereaved in a crash (part of Victim Support) Helpdesk: 0806440185 Burns www.brake.org.uk www.victimsupport.org.uk/more- Helpline: 08088000401 us/why-choose-us/specialist- Changing Faces Bereavement (10am - 4pm Mon to Fri) services/homicide-service Supports people who have any Cruse Bereavement condition or injury that affects Sarah Hopeline a national charity offering their appearance. Providing support to those bereavement support. www.changingfaces.org.uk/Home affected by injury or death on the Contact www.cruse.org.uk Support service helpline: TfL transport network www.tfl.gov.uk/incidentsupport If you are a patient or a family member Child Bereavement UK (CBUK) 03000120275 Email – [email protected] and would like to contact London’s Air Provide support to children and Ambulance, please email Frank: families who have been bereaved. Mental Health Tel - 03432225678 www.childbereavementuk.org/ UK Sobs Spinal Cord Injury [email protected] support/young-people Providing dedicated support to For more information about adults who have been bereaved Back Up Trust Brain Injury London’s Air Ambulance, please visit or affected by suicide. Transforming lives after www.londonsairambulance.co.uk Brain and Spine Foundation – www.uk-sobs.org.uk spinal cord injury Improving the quality of life of National helpline: 03001115065 www.backuptrust.org.uk @LDNairamb people affected by neurological (9am-9pm everyday) Support line - 02088751805

46 Written by Dr Siobhan Williams, Dr Chris Episkopos and Frank Chege Generously funded by The Gerald Micklem Charitable Trust Supported by The Corporation’s charity, City Trust

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