Motorcycle accident victims can end up in a seriously bad way – many, are sadly fatal. But those who do survive often do so with permanent and life altering injuries; I suppose the worst would be a coma if the victim does survive the injuries.
This story is truly remarkable, and a bit of a miracle as well. According to Sky news (source), a motorcycle accident victim “pleaded to live” just before his life support was about to be switched off by blinking and moving his eyes…
Forty-three year old Richard Rudd was left paralysed after falling in to an irreversible coma following a crash leaving him with serious life altering brain injuries. His family made the tough decision that the father of two would not want to continue living in his condition, and gave doctors permission to withdraw his treatment. But moments before the decision was to be followed through, Richard was caught on camera signalling his will to live whilst a television documentary was being filmed, covering patients with severe brain injuries.
According to the report, Mr Rudd “startled everyone” by moving his eyes to the right as medical staff were ready to turn off his life support. He was then asked by staff if he wanted to live, and his replies of “yes” were understood by movements of his eyes. A remarkable story – with just moments to spare, it seems.
Richard has what is known as “locked-in syndrome”; a state which means patients are able to hear and think, but are unable to move limbs or speak. Eye movement is apparently possible if the nerves connecting the brain to the eye muscles are left intact. With this ability it’s possible to get “yes” and “no” answers out of a patient with locked-in syndrome. The report goes on to say that Mr Rudd is now able to make facial expressions and his long term memory appears intact; sadly, it is likely he will remain on a ventilator for life.
It’s a hard decision for family members to have to take. On one hand, you of course do not want to lose a loved one. On the other, it can be perceived that such a life is no life to live, and a patient could potentially prefer to not remain on life support permanently. Thankfully, Richard was able to communicate his will to live in time; and his will to live is ultimately the most important part of this.
The source also states that a Belgian man who was in a coma for 23 years after a road accident was actually conscious the entire time. A concerning concept.
Road accidents are common; and it’s usually easy to establish who is at fault for an accident. It’s important that you speak to an expert independent personal injury lawyer for the best advice and options to take on how to approach claiming for injury.
