Joe’s Story
I was thrown against wall along with my motorbike, which then caught on fire.
What happened?
I was riding my motorbike with my partner who was a pillion passenger. A car went through a red light and hit us and I was thrown against a wall along with my motorbike which then caught on fire. My legs and other parts of my body were badly burned.
I was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital, and my partner to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital as she had a critical head and leg injury.
My treatment and recovery journey
I spent nine months as a patient under the care of Fiona’s team and Dale the physiotherapist. I had multiple operations during this time. If I’d been anywhere else in the world my legs would have been amputated, but the excellent care given to me by the Burns Unit meant I kept my legs. The doctors and nurses were great. I quickly learnt what happens in the process of treating a patient with burns.
Three years after the crash, I travelled to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital to see if I could have a bionic arm fitted, but the nerves in my arm had been too badly damaged in the accident, so I made the decision to have my arm amputated because it was painful and non-functioning.
My life now
I’m now 63 and have a good life travelling, working, and spending time with family and friends. My treatment saved my legs so I can walk and get around.
We are so lucky to have Fiona and her team. I’d like to thank Fiona, the burns team, and all of the staff and nurses who helped me get to where I am today.
Joe