Community & Business
25 February, 2022
Nathan’s miracle recovery after horror farm accident
A LOCAL Tableland boy has made a miraculous recovery after a terrible crash on a property in the Millaa Millaa area causing him to be airlifted straight to Townsville.
Nathan Daley, 13, was on a motorbike mustering cattle on his father’s property on 3 February when he went through a fence, hit a post and then a tree.
Nathan’s father, Col, was informed about the accident by the other boys riding with Nathan and quickly made it to his son who was unconscious and unresponsive.
After assessing the situation and seeing they couldn’t just “wipe the bruises off”, Col immediately dialled 000 to request medical assistance.
“I ascertained quickly that this wasn’t going to get much prettier very quickly, it wasn’t something we could just wipe the bruises off and say be careful next time,” Col said.
“I rung 000 and I was just amazed how quickly everything was able to happen.
“Within 15 minutes we had a paramedic on the scene and I was actually talking to the 000 number and they were guiding me through it.”
Shortly after the ambulances arrived other emergency services were called to the scene in quick succession including a helicopter prepared to fly Nathan straight to Townsville.
“They said we needed to get him to the best available medical teams in a hurry,” Col said.
“The decision was made to incubate Nathan and put him in the chopper – 45 minutes later we were on our way to Townsville.”
After arriving in Townsville, Nathan was looked after by a specialist team from neurosurgeons to orthopaedics and therapists.
Col said he was completely blown away by the level of service at in the Townsville ICU and other facilities including the Ronald McDonald House.
“The teams there were just outstanding, there was a special team for the neurosurgeon side of things, a team for the facial fractures, a team for the orthopaedics, occupational therapists, social workers,” he said.
“The level of support from the medical field down there for Nathan during his stay was just unbelievable.
“We feel so blessed to be as lucky as we are.”
After a few days spent in a coma while in Townsville, Nathan experienced a rapid recovery and just weeks after his accident, he was able to return home.
Col and the Daley family have expressed their utmost gratitude for everyone who has supported them during their stressful time.
From friends and family to emergency services and even local sporting groups who issued thoughts, prayers and assistance during the accident and afterwards.
