The Impact of Trauma and Critical Care: Reflections from a Practitioner and Patient

In May 2004, one of us (C J D) was involved in a significant motor vehicle accident, colliding with a truck at 70 kph. Injuries included left-sided rib fractures and flail segment, haemopneumothorax, L4-L5 vertebral body fractures, multiple abrasions and lacerations, and post-traumatic amnesia. As a result, I spent 2 weeks in intensive care units and another month as an inpatient in a tertiary and then a regional hospital. This article has arisen from my reflections — as a patient, practising psychologist and university Dean — on the short- and long-term effects of these events. Although it is presented as a first-person account, it incorporates observations and perspectives from a medical practitioner (my son, J T D). We hope that this shared perspective will provide critical care practitioners with additional insights, particularly into the psychological impact of major trauma and hospital care.