Legend
Paul has a snow skiing accident. He is rescued by the mountain retrieval team, and transferred by ambulance to the local hospital. Once stable he is transferred to a metro hospital by helicopter.
Paul has neurosurgery to remove part of frontal skull for managing brain swelling. Paul’s father is notified. Paul spends time in the ICU. He is transferred to a surgical ward, unconscious and confused for a total of 10 days. He receives therapy to prevent complications and maximise physical recovery.
He makes a good physical recovery and is admitted to inpatient specialised brain injury rehabilitation ward.
The multidisciplinary team (occupational therapist, speech pathologist, physiotherapist, social worker, rehabilitation doctor, psychologist and recreation therapist) complete their assessments. Paul and his father meet with the team to identify Paul’s rehabilitation goals and it is decided there needs to be a focus on independent living skills. Paul is transferred to a Transitional Living Program with share house accommodation for five weeks, including weekend leave with his father. He is assigned a case manager, and the multidisciplinary team remains involved. Paul’s father worked with the team to learn what he could do to support Paul.
When the program is finished, Paul goes to live with his father and attends therapy three days per week. He continues to practice living skills with support from community team therapists and his father. Paul's GP referral is completed.
Paul returns to hospital for surgery to repair his skull bone. He stays for five days and returns to live with his father and continue community therapy program.
Paul does not meet insurance scheme criteria for his accident, so he is treated as a Medicare client and receives Centrelink benefit. He has no permanent disability and therefore does not qualify for NDIS.
Paul continues to recover, living with his father and using his support to manage living skills.
Paul’s rehabilitation plan transitions to support for returning to work. He starts a return to work program, which includes physical and mental endurance, memory strategies, planning and organising support.
Paul and his father attend a rehabilitation clinic every three months. Paul’s neurosurgeon has given him medical clearance. His physical endurance has improved. His memory difficulties are minimised by using phone reminders and calendar notes.
Nine months post injury, Paul reaches out to friends and workmates for share accommodation and to find work at the snow fields. Paul gets a job in the snowfields in Japan. His friend also gets a job and they will share accommodation. Paul, his father and his friend meet with the therapy team and discuss how this will work.
Paul goes to Japan. He keeps in email contact with his case manager, provides updates and shares concerns. His friend is happy with how it is all going. Other friends have started working in Japan snowfields and Paul is happy.
Paul is discharged from the community team 20 months post injury.