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.

Item Type:	Professional, Non Refereed Article
Keywords:	trauma, pain, pain management, rehabilitation
Research Division:	Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Research Group:	Psychology
Research Field:	Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health)
Objective Field:	Disability and Functional Capacity
UTAS Author:	Denholm, CJ (Professor Carey Denholm)
ID Code:	60483
Year Published:	2009
Web of Science® Times Cited:	1
Deposited By:	Conservatorium of Music
Deposited On:	2010-02-08
Last Modified:	2010-06-09
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