3 days ago
Footy fan is hailed as a hero after helping save the life of player who dodged death by MILLIMETRES in horror on-field incident
A footy fan has been labelled a hero after helping save the life of a 25-year-old player who broke his neck in a tackle during a rugby league match in Central Queensland.
Matthew Broomham escaped death by a 'matter of millimetres' according to one neurosurgeon, after being tackled just moments into the second half of a reserve grade match between Wallaby Rugby League Football Club and Norths at Rockhampton's Gymmy Grounds last week.
The fullback was left lying motionless on his back but thanks to the quick thinking of first aid officer Gary Churchward, he may have been saved from suffering a more serious injury.
The medic quickly rushed onto the field despite not having seen the incident take place. He took immediate action realising the seriousness of the situation after Broomham had told him he had some pain in his neck and had heard a crack during the tackle.
Churchward, who had gained his Level One first aid certification just six months ago, quickly immobilised Broomham's neck and head as they waited for paramedics to arrive.
The first aid officer remained by the 25-year-old's side for over 30 minutes, and was later praised by Matthew's dad, Jason, for his quick thinking that 'saved him from being paralysed'.
'Thankfully, Gary being so vigilant in keeping Matthew on the ground and not letting his head move, even a millimetre, has saved him from being paralysed… or worse,' Jason Broomham told The Daily Telegraph.
Gary recounted what happened, revealing that Matthew was 'calm and chatty' despite the horror incident.
'I ran out to Matt and he told me briefly what happened. He said he had a sore neck and he'd heard a crack,' Churchward told the outlet.
'As soon as you hear that, you don't take any risks, and I immediately immobilised his neck.
'You lie down head to head, put your arms up beside his head and across his ears and you almost grip his shoulders and squeeze your arms together very gently on the side of his head to keep it still.'
Fortunately, Matthew said to Gary he had no numbness and was able to move his toes and fingers.
While they waited for the paramedics, Gary spoke to the 25-year-old about his work, his family and even his tattoos.
Upon arriving at the footy pitch, paramedics fitted Matthew with a neck brace before taking him to the Rockhampton Hospital.
An MRI revealed that Matthew had broken his C2 vertebrae, with doctors telling his dad Jason and wife Jodie that their son had suffered what's known as a 'hangman's fracture'.
'The neurosurgeons that we spoke to, in Rockhampton and here (in Brisbane), said he was lucky to be alive,' Jason said.
'If he had any more artery damage, he would have died on the field.
'The way that he was hit in the tackle resembled a car crash injury. He was hit down, as well as across. We're very, very lucky to have him here.
'Every time we speak to a neurosurgeon, they say it was a matter of millimetres.'
Matthew was later flown to the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital, where he underwent further examinations.
Jason told the outlet that because of Matthew's age, doctors opted against surgery, instead fitting the 25-year-old with a halo vest.
'Hello everyone. Matthew has been placed into a halo vest. He will be in this for at least three months while his neck heals,' Jason, who was at the match, wrote on Instagram.
'This is great news as he didn't have to have surgery.
'Thank you to everyone who has helped Matt, this is the first step in a long recovery process, but we will do it together.'
A halo vest is a device that attaches itself around a person's chest and shoulders. Several supports rise up from the vest and are attached to a halo ring, which positions itself around a person's skull using several metal pins.
The device is designed to immobilise the spine by preventing any damaging movement of the head and neck, allowing the spinal bones to heal.
Jason revealed that while Matthew has a 'long road ahead', he added he was 'grateful that Matthew should be able to make a full recovery' following treatment.
In an inspiring turn of events, Matthew was discharged five days after being admitted to hospital and has been walking with assistance.
Meanwhile, the Wallaby Rugby League Football Club have started a GoFundMe page to support Matthew and his family while he recovers from the injury.
Brendon Hunt, the president of the club, began the appeal online, which has, at the time of writing, raised $10,790, to help cover the burden of the footy player's rehabilitation expenses, inability to work and his travel and accommodation for treatment.
'Matt has sustained a fractured neck and now faces a long and challenging road to recovery, including extensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical appointments,' Hunt wrote.
His dad, Jason, delivered an update that Matthew would not be needing surgery on the injury
'Sadly, this also means he will be unable to work for the coming months, placing a significant financial burden on him and his family.'
He added: 'Matt is a tough competitor, a loyal teammate, and a valued member of our club and community. Now it's our turn to rally around him.
'Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference in helping Matt focus on his recovery without the added stress of financial hardship.'
Gary, meanwhile, did not want to take credit for his heroics, instead urging other people to become medical officers.
He had retired from playing rugby league last year but wanted to stay around the club by becoming a first aid officer.
'I definitely can't take credit for it, I just happened to be the first one there,' he said.
He also praised the club's Level Two first aid officer Amanda Twigge, who had initially raised his attention to the injury.
'I was just doing what I signed up to do and what I was trained to do.
'If I wasn't there, Amanda would have done exactly the same thing.'
Paramedics subsequently fitted Matthew with a neck brace and took him to
