Rescue service is vital – that’s no bull!
Cody Smith knows there’s only eight seconds to glory. But his recovery from serious injury is more long term as is his return to the sport he is passionate about – bull riding.
Cody, who is a 17-years-old Mirani High School who and is undertaking a school-based diesel fitting apprenticeship, was airlifted from Middlemount to Mackay by RACQ CQ Rescue on August 2 this year. He was attending a bull riding school when he was violently bucked off and his hand was trapped in the rope.
Cody’s helmet was cracked on impact and his head and neck were whiplashed into the dirt. He was knocked out and unconscious for about five minutes during which time he suffered a seizure which lasted for about a minute.
Cody suffered short-term memory loss, swelling to the brain, swollen blood vessels, fluid in the stomach and numerous bruises and grazes to his body after being jumped on by the bull. He was in Mackay Base Hospital for three days and underwent many CT and MRI scans.
His mother Jodie said he was very lucky to avoid surgery and more serious injury.
“We are incredibly grateful to the other bull riders and spectators who rushed to protect and assist him when the accident happened,” she said.
“This was a very serious, potentially life-threatening injury so thank goodness a service like RACQ CQ Rescue was available to us.”
Cody remembers very little of his airlift by RACQ CQ Rescue except for the noise of the helicopter.
“The crew were awesome. So respectful and they gave us very clear information,” Jodie said.
After two weeks at home, Cody was put on a return to school and work plan and continues occupational therapy and neuro surgeon visits to the Mackay Base Hospital. He is unable to drive or swim for 12 months due to the seizure, but his bruising, aches and pains are healing. He’s very keen to return to the sport he loves.
His parents are convinced RACQ CQ Rescue is absolutely vital to the rural community.
“Injuries like Cody’s come with the nature of the sport – it’s not when, but how bad you can get hurt,” Jodie said.
“We are ever so grateful that a service such as CQ Rescue is available - it is a necessity. Without them a lot more families would suffer.
“It’s an incredible service and they do an amazing job.”
