To everyone who knows and loves Tom: an update on his situation for those not on my (or Brendon’s email list)

In order to make sure everyone is updated, having had varied amounts of contact with those of us at the hospital in the last 24 hours, please find below a detailed update starting from the beginning.

Returning from the airport, Tom was involved in a serious car accident whilst driving his cab-and-a-half at the corner of Glenara and Samora Machel Ave in Harare sometime between 9.30pm and 10pm. A double cab hit him side-on on the left (passenger) side of the vehicle.

Tom was freed from his car by emergency personnel and Sal was called by a kind and concerned resident of a house near the intersection who Tom managed to speak to. Brendon Malloch-Brown got to the scene fairly quickly – about 10pm and he accompanied Tom to the West End Hospital where he was admitted around 10.30pm. Apparently Tom was conscious at least until he was placed in the ambulance.

Tom was X-rayed and staff there (Dr Simon Rothwell) stabilised him. Mars’ air ambulance then flew Tom, Sal and Brendon to Lanseria Airport in Joburg. An ambulance got them to the Mill Park Hospital at around 9am.

We are told by everyone who is knowledgeable about medicine in SA that Tom is in the best trauma unit in the country, and both his Trauma Surgeon Dr Steven Moeng and his Neurosurgeon Dr Zoria are world class. A councillor provides updates regularly.

Allowing for some subjectivity as we lay-people interpret medical explanations, the following is our best understanding of how Tom is:

The accident crushed Tom’s C1 vertebrae (top of the neck), and caused C4 and C5 to sit side-by-side. C6 was fractured. This means that the vertebrae have bruised the spinal chord which is constricted by the mis-alignment of the spine.

His left lung collapsed, though this has been drained and seems the lesser of the problems.

He was placed in traction from about 2pm today, which is to stretch the spine so as to allow for the slipped vertebrae to move back in position. Once this happens they should be able to do an operation to fuse the vertebrae – the earliest this will happen is Friday.

Just before 8pm this evening Tom was put on a respirator and a coma was induced. This was welcome relief as his breathing was becoming more laboured and difficult.

Tom has been conscious for much of the day and had some pain but through the medication seemed to comprehend his situation and he has been given all the details of his injuries by the doctors. He has been unable to feel anything below his neck today.

This afternoon the doctor did warn that Tom’s condition is still not stable as his physical condition could make him susceptible to secondary infections, so the next few days will be important.

Statistically-speaking the doctors say that recovery of movement from injuries this severe is unlikely, though they will only truly know the condition of the spinal chord once it is unencumbered, following the operation.

They will keep him intubated and operate on him in this state. The earliest that he could be out of the coma is a week from now.

Sal has her family here, and the girls are being looked after by Alison M-B in Harare. Tom’s mum and twin sister arrive tomorrow (Thurs) night. Everyone has been forthcoming with offers of everything from money to accommodation etc and all are appreciated, though med aid is sorted out and Brendon has (as those who know him will know already) organised all manner of logistics to ensure everything is catered for.

Every message of support has been relayed and Sal is most appreciative. We will update as things progress, though for now our friend is resting and we have to trust in the enormous strength of body and spirit we all love him for. It is unlikely that we will mail an update for another 24 hours unless anything changes.

Nick