Outstanding care helps patient recover from limb-threatening injury

One year ago, Cameron Tweddle almost lost his right arm after a traumatic incident with his new motorbike, but thanks to the care provided by Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics on scene, he has made an outstanding recovery.

Cameron, now 22, was riding his motorbike for the first time in his family’s paddock in Darnum last year when the bike came out from under him. Cameron fell forward on the bike while it was still running, causing his arm to become caught in the rear wheel chain, leaving him with burns to his legs and his arm fully trapped.

Luckily, Cameron was able to turn the motorbike off and reach his phone to call Triple Zero (000) as well as contact a member of his family for help.

Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics arrived on scene first, closely followed by Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics.

“I’ve never seen a patient still stuck in the chain like that. I realised straight way that it was a limb-threatening injury and the patient needed a specialist Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS),” said AV MICA paramedic Tristan Hurley.

The AV crews worked closely with police, Country Fire Authority (CFA) and VICSES who were also on scene. After emergency crews removed parts of the motorbike, paramedics provided procedural pain relief to Cameron and his arm was released.

Once free, paramedics applied a tourniquet to Cameron’s upper arm, dressed the wound with haemostatic dressings, a formable splint and bandages, and administered continued pain medication and oxygen therapy.

“With a case like this, we are dealing with significant nerve damage and concern for blood loss,” Tristan said.

“It meant we were moving quickly to balance providing the best patient care possible with the time it was taking to get him to definitive care.”

The Air Ambulance Victoria HEMS crew airlifted Cameron to The Alfred where he stayed for eight weeks and underwent nine surgeries.

After many procedures and hours of rehabilitation, a year on from the incident and Cameron has regained full use of his arm and has returned to work.
Cameron’s partner, Brylie Hawkless, said she has been blown away by his recovery.

“We were told by the doctors that there was a two per cent chance of him being able to move his right arm again, and now a year on, he’s defying all expectations,” she said.

“I’m really proud of him for how he’s handled the recovery and so thankful to the paramedics and other emergency services who did all they could to give Cameron the best chance of being able to keep his arm.”

Recently, Cameron was able to say thank you in person to some of the paramedics who helped him last year.

“I will always remember the kindness they showed me and how calm they were,” he said.

“This experience has just reinforced to me that accidents can happen when you least expect it and they can be life-altering.

“Everyone should be careful and do what they can to stay safe like wearing protective gear, always having your phone with you and riding with someone else when possible.

“I’m extremely thankful to everyone who has played a role in my treatment and ongoing recovery. I know the outcome could have been really different if it weren’t for them.”