Blessed to be living

On Friday October 19 last year, I was involved in a car crash at the intersection of Bloomfield Road and Main Neerim Road, just out of Neerim South. Without the dedication of a great many people, both volunteers and professionals, I might not be here today.

The young man in the other car, and another young man in a car behind me, were first on the scene and lifted my head from the steering wheel, enabling me to breathe. They held my neck and kept me talking until the ambulance arrived.

A road crew from Sure Constructions, on their way home, stopped and directed traffic until the police arrived. A householder put out a sign, warning traffic that there was an accident ahead.

The local volunteer CFA crew attended the scene in case they were required and one of their members offered to drive my husband to Melbourne if needed.

SES volunteers used the Jaws of Life to cut off the roof of my car, enabling me to be removed. Police officers directed traffic, and an officer, Murray, supported my husband as he waited for news. Meanwhile, ambulance crews were working on me, trying to keep me conscious and safe.

While all this was going on, our local minister, John, was praying for my life and for the work of everyone attending the scene.

People passing the incident prayed and sent good thoughts my way, as did people seeing or hearing the helicopter which took me to Melbourne.

I sustained six broken ribs and my pelvis was broken in four places. After a week at Royal Melbourne Hospital and seven weeks at South Eastern Rehabilitation Hospital, I returned home in time for Christmas, using elbow crutches. I am now able to walk short distances alone and I am building up my strength.

I am blessed to be living in a place where volunteers and professionals are so dedicated to their job, and where passers-by stop to help. Thank you to each and every person who assisted in any way.

Julia Fleming, Neerim South