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 Austin severely broke his neck yesterday and was unresponsive. Thanks to his friends for calling 911 and a bystander that initated CPR immediately, EMS arrived and was able to begin treatment and get him to a trauma hospital. He was put in traction to help align the cervical vertebrae C4-C5 but had to undergo surgery to remove pressure on his spinal column and fixate/fuse his neck. He had a filter placed in his inferior vena cava to prevent blood clots from reaching his lungs. 

He was being kept sedated and intubated on a ventilator to help maintain his airway. He aspirated ocean water and the chances of developing pneumonia were high. He was able to breathe on his own but they were monitoring his respiratory issues closely. 

We were able to see him for the first time late that night at 6 pm when they let us in the ICU. His Dad had actually managed to put eyes on him when the rescue squad arrived and paramedics where taking him into the ER. Austin responded to pain stimuli and open his eyes when the trauma doctor spoke to him and he patted her on the leg. He was moving his arms and trying to look around.

When we saw him in ICU, he tried to open his eyes when we spoke to him as well. I went back in at 8 pm and when he heard my voice the alarm on the vent went off and he started opening his eyes to look for me. After I spoke to him, he settled down and didn't fight the vent. His color was good and his vitals signs were stable. The nurse did tell me that he wiggled his toes for her when she did his neuro check. 

We still have a long road ahead of us for his recovery and rehabiliation. Once they are able to wean his off of meds and vent, the picture will be clearer. 

Over 1 month in, Austin is doing amazing. He has full function of his bladder, bowel, able to feed, bathe and dress himself. He is actively working towards walking again. We still have a long way to go but he is driven!