Colac paramedic James Carew left paralysed after skiing accident

A Colac man who has devoted his life to helping people has been left in a wheelchair after a tragic accident. Find out how you can help.

Colac paramedic James Carew, who has devoted his life to helping people, has been left in a wheelchair after a tragic accident. Picture: Supplied.

From a young age, Colac’s James Carew dedicated his life to helping people.

He oversaw the safety of thousands at some of Victoria’s biggest events as a front line paramedic, lifeguard and volunteer life saver, as well as pioneering training courses at the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club, where he has served for 23 years.

But now it is he who needs help.

A freak ski accident at Mount Hotham last August left Mr Carew paralysed from the waist down after he crashed into man-made snow.

His T11 vertebrae was fractured and his spinal cord significantly damaged.

He will never walk again nor return to work as a front line paramedic.

Four months on from his cousin Matthew setting up a GoFundMe page, the community he pledged to serve responded in its droves.

James Carew was a lifesaver in Lorne before a tragic skiing accident left him paralysed. Picture: Supplied.

So far, more than $130,000 has been raised online, with an additional fundraiser organised by the Lorne Life Savers Club over the Australia Day weekend.

It is the response that not only reflects the power of local communities, but one that has left Mr Carew “overwhelmed”.

“It’s been incredibly humbling,” he said.

“Lifesaving is a strong community of like-minded people who’ve really been there for me.

“The connections I’ve made in that community have helped me get through the last four months.

“I’ve never been someone to ask for help and it’s definitely something I’ve had to learn.”

Money raised will be put towards helping Mr Carew restart his life, which will include setting him up with somewhere to live.

“We want to see James get back to living the fulfilling life he is destined for, whilst removing some of his financial burden,” his cousin Matthew posted on the GoFundMe page.

After several months of rehab, Mr Carew now has his sights set on “getting back” to the beach and to work with Ambulance Victoria in a new capacity.

He is also keen to continue working with the Lorne IRB Racing Team and Life Saving Victoria when the season starts in April.

This weekend he will be part of the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club team that will host the Pier to Pub swim, where he will co-ordinate the event’s many contractors.

“You could say I used the event and other things like that as motivation during rehab, because rehab is all about setting goals,” Mr Carew said.

Club life member Richard Knight said Mr Carew has been an “amazing servant” and continues to do a “heap of work” post-accident.

The club is also hosting an open fundraiser for Mr Carew on Saturday January 28.