Casuarina’s Bryson Goedhart thanks helicopter rescuers after he was hit by a car

As a Casuarina boy embarks on his long road to recovery his family has expressed their gratitude to all the nurses, paramedics and doctors who saved his life.

Bryson Goedhart, 8, was hit by a car when crossing the road at Casuarina. Picture: Liana Walker

Melissa and Lindt Goedhart were standing either side of Kamala Crescent when they watched their son Bryson be dragged by a car 10m down the road after he was hit trying to cross.

It’s a miracle the eight-year-old’s injuries weren’t worse – a skin graft, a fractured ankle and eight stitches to the knee.

Bryson said he was crossing the road to his mum on Kamala Crescent, Casuarina on August 17 when he was hit by a 4WD.

“I was shocked and scared,” Bryson said.

The rest he barely remembers, including the life saving flight by the Westpac Helicopter Rescue.

It was a different story for mum Melissa Goedhart who flew in the helicopter with Bryson.

Lindt, Bryson, 8, and Melissa Goedhart, three weeks after Bryson was hit by a car in Casuarina. Picture: Liana Walker

“They were so accommodating – I was stressed out to the max and they made a seat for me,” she said.

“I was so, so grateful and the Westpac doctor who was in there was so calming – I’ll never forget him.”

Mrs Goedhart said they had since met up with the car driver, who was also in shock, who gave Bryson a present and they were able to talk about what happened.

Both parents said they were grateful for all the people who helped their son, including an off duty nurse, the paramedics who took him to the helicopter, the staff at Gold Coast University Hospital where Bryson was taken and Tweed Coast Church who had been supporting the family.

Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter in flight. Source: Surf Life Saving Australia

Dad Lindt Goedhart had to stay at home due to border restrictions but he remembered watching the accident vividly.

“It was surreal – it didn’t feel like it was happening,” he said.

“You feel helpless because as it was happening you can’t do anything to stop it happening.”

Bryson’s recovery has been on track with him walking around with the support of a boot and dressings to help with the skin injuries. He will find out in the coming week when he will get to take his boot off.

He said once he was fully recovered he was most looking forward to going back to surf life saving and playing rugby, tennis and swimming.

Bryson said he has since learnt a very important lesson before crossing the road in future – “to look left and right.”

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter, which services Northern New South Wales, relies on the generosity of the community through volunteering and donations. Click here to found out more on how you can help out.