A split second after Chris Currie’s helmet-covered head hit the tree, his brain slammed into the in
side of his skull. His twin brother, also an expert skier, sped down the mountain for help. The ski patrol arrived and administered first aid to an unconscious Chris and immediately called for the air ambulance. Fortunately, Dr. Johnson Ngan of the QEII was also spending the day skiing. He helped intubate and stabilize Chris for the MedEvac helicopter flight to the QEII Trauma Centre.
Trauma and neurological teams were waiting for him. The first 24 hours after an injury like Chris’ are critical. They whisked him to a CAT scan. After studying the results, the doctors could only tell Chris’ parents that he was strong and there was hope. Chris was taken to the ICU where he remained unconscious for seven days. Doctors prescribed medication that would help reduce brain swelling but every few hours, he would be brought off the drugs so the team could assess brain function. This intense level of care went on around the clock. Eight day later, Chris was moved to the neurology ward where his recovery including demanding sessions with occupational therapists, neurologists and counsellors.
Then came the moment of truth. Chris had an MRI that would define his life. The work had paid off. Chris was given a series of day passes, then overnight passes. He was admitted to the QEII Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre as a day patient and finally, 26 days after skiing into the tree, Chris was released from hospital.