Ralph’s Story
I had a concussion and full thickness burns to 80% of my body.
What happened?
On 9 January 2013, a friend took me up for a joy flight. Shortly after take-off from Jandakot Airport, the engine suddenly failed, forcing us to land in the South Lakes Recreational Reserve.
Fuel from the ruptured tank ignited. We both managed to crawl from the wreckage, but not without sustaining burns.
A former ED nurse, John De-Laney, and former volunteer firefighter, Nigel Lifford, came to our aid and stayed with us until paramedics arrived and transferred us to Royal Perth Hospital. Their actions that day were instrumental in saving both our lives.
My treatment and recovery journey
I sustained a concussion and full-thickness burns to 80% of my body, spending the next 63 days in ICU fighting for my life.
Fiona Wood and an extraordinary team of doctors and nurses worked tirelessly to repair my damaged body and keep me alive. I was virtually paralysed—unable to walk, sit up, bend my joints, or lift my limbs. Even the most basic tasks were impossible. Dr Dale Edgar, alongside the physiotherapy and occupational therapy team, began the long process of helping me move again.
Progress was slow and often frustrating, but over time I relearned how to walk and manage the basic functions of daily life.
Five months after my accident, I was finally able to leave hospital and return home. My days were filled with daily dressing changes by home nurses and regular trips back to hospital for ongoing physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
My life now
It has taken a while, but my body has begun to heal, and my strength, mobility and fitness has improved.
I passed my driving test in July 2014 which gave me back my independence and I’m riding my bike to and from the hospital.
Despite the accident, I still had strong feelings about wanting to fly again and so in August 2014, I decided to sit my aviation medical examination, which I passed and I’m now back in the sky!
It’s fair to say that life isn’t quite the same as it was, but it is what it is, and I’ve learnt to take my life back by working toward doing the things I enjoy.
Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards everyone in the Burns Unit. They are truly dedicated, compassionate people who used their skills to enable me to continue with my life.
Ralph
