CRASH AND CAREER CONNECT CARE
As a former flight paramedic in South Africa and Abu Dhabi, Brad Poultney knows how important lifesaving aeromedical care is in a time of dire need.
He also knows how terrifying it can be to be a patient.
The BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) Health, Safety and Environment Superintendent was riding dirt bikes with his son in Moranbah in October 2021 when a serious crash saw him suffer a smashed ankle, broken shoulder and a severe concussion requiring urgent medical attention.
“My son and I picked up the hobby of dirt bike riding in mid-2020 to take advantage of what Moranbah had to offer. We moved to Moranbah in 2015 from Abu Dhabi and were keen to find a hobby that both of us could do together. Learning to ride bikes ticked the boxes for us like so many others in the area,” Brad said.
“On Sunday, 10th October 2021, my son and I went for a ride like most Sundays. My wife met us at a well-known quad bike track to watch us and enjoy some family time.”
Unfortunately, while riding around the track, his son discovered Brad lying unconscious on the ground after a serious fall off the bike.
“He immediately intervened and positioned me to open my airway and stop me snoring like I had taught him (a legacy from my paramedic days). I remained unconscious for about 10 minutes but started to come around after that.”
Brad’s wife was frantic and contacted the local Doctor. Two teenagers riding their dirt bikes nearby contacted 000 and Brad was transported to Moranbah Hospital by Queensland Ambulance.
“The hospital doctor was concerned about neck and spine injuries and the decision was made to fly me to Mackay Base Hospital. Here it was quickly identified that I had fractured my left ankle very badly and I had fractured my left shoulder. What was most concerning though was my ongoing significant confusion and inability to recall anything longer than a few minutes,” he said.
Brad said although his wife had previously been exposed to helicopter hospital transfers given his career as a flight paramedic in South Africa and Abu Dhabi, she was naturally extremely stressed.
“She was comforted by the flight doctor as I was being transferred to the helicopter. While I was flown to Mackay Base, my wife had to drive with my son to Mackay. The support and comfort offered to my wife by the flight doctor has stuck in her memory as a bright spot in what she has described as one of the worst days she has experienced. My wife has said that she cannot bear to think of what the alternative would have been if the helicopter with a doctor and paramedic on board had not been available,” he said.
He awoke in hospital with no recollection of the accident or his aeromedical transfer. He recalled the day before the accident and waking in the Base hospital 10 days later. In total Brad spent a month in hospital going through two surgeries, daily physical therapy and rigorous occupational therapy.
“Aeromedical services have always held a special place in my heart and in my career, but this was my first time as a patient of a vital service like RACQ CQ Rescue,” Brad said
“I have now been on both sides of the equation as both flight crew and now as a patient and would like to help raise awareness of how important this service is to communities in Central Queensland.
“My family and I are incredible grateful and proud that my employer BHP partners with CQ Rescue to help deliver timely care to anyone in need in our remote mining region.
“It literally saves lives.”