Flavio and Fatima return from Brazil to revisit Gold Coast University Hospital
Over 2 and ½ years ago Flavio was severely injured on the morning of 18/08/2022 in a collision on his motorcycle versus 4WD towing a caravan.
Flavio suffered multiple injuries predominantly to his head, face, chest, abdomen and pelvis, clavicle, wrist and hand.
Fortunately for Flavio one of our ED RNs, Rachel, was first on scene. Rachel performed life saving manoeuvres to protect Flavio’ airway. As a result of the impact Flavio’s smart watch notified and called his fiancée, Fernanda, in Brazil. Through this connection Fernanda was able to hear the chaotic situation. Fernanda immediately called Flavio’s landlady who soon arrived at the scene and further notified his family.
Flavio was transported to GCUH Level 1 Trauma centre earning the highest Trauma Respond notification and urgent transfer to Operating theatre for life saving surgical interventions, the first of 22 surgical procedures.
Flavio spent 2 weeks in ICU and a total of 2 months and 6 days in hospital with us at GCUH after which he was discharged and flew home to Brazil with his mother Fatima.
We were honored when both Flavio and his beautiful mum, Fatima, returned to Gold Coast Australia in late November this year. Through our Trauma Survivors Network here at GCUH we were able to organise some visits to the ED, ICU and Trauma Unit to facilitate the reunion with those involved in Flavio’s survival journey including his TSN Lived Experience Peers Supporter Dave. We all agree that the best reward for the work we do is to see our survivors return and reconnect. TSN GCUH was able to facilitate social occasions external to the hospital where we were able to meet up, dine together and share stories with Flavio, Fatima and other Trauma Survivors who had been in our care over the same period as Flavio.
Below is a news clip that featured Flavio during his admission to Gold Coast University Health.