Just a year ago, Tom faced a fight for his life after he was bitten by a deadly Eastern Brown snake just outside Coonabarabran.
You may have read about Tom’s life-saving story. The incredible medical staff at Coonabarabran Hospital worked tirelessly to stabilise him before our Emergency Retrieval team arrived to continue Tom’s critical care and transfer him safely to Dubbo Hospital.
It’s thanks to your kind support that Tom was able to get the immediate care he needed to save his life. It’s been a year since that frightening day, but Tom is back working as a Telescope and Space Technician at the Siding Spring Observatory in Coonabarabran (pictured below).
He has since faced some challenges with numbness in his foot and lower leg where the snake bite occurred. He continues to receive specialised care from his neurologist and is wearing a foot brace until Tom gains more control over the muscles in his foot.
Tom and his wife Nicole believe that without the help of caring supporters like you, he may not be with us today.
“When you’re far from a city, having a reliable service like the Flying Doctor is essential in getting life-saving care. The peace of mind it provides to those of us in remote areas is invaluable. I’m so grateful to everyone who supports the Flying Doctor,” Tom said.
Being bitten by a deadly snake means Tom does a few things differently now. “When I step out on the back lawn at home, I do have a good look before I put my foot in the grass,” he said.
