Sunshine Coast teacher Brett Jensen loses leg in campfire incident

A Sunshine Coast teacher has spoken from hospital, recounting the horror night he fell into a campfire and suffered burns to 25 per cent of his body during a school holidays trip to Stradbroke Island. *Distressing.

Brett Jensen. Picture - contributed.

A Sunshine Coast teacher has recounted the horror night he fell into a campfire and suffered fourth degree burns to 25 per cent of his body – saying he could see his leg was burnt down to the bone.

Brett Jensen, 44, of Bli Bli was camping at Stradbroke Island on the June school holidays.

On Friday, June 27, at Flinders Beach, Mr Jensen tripped over his camp chair and fell into a campfire.

“Doctors said I must have been knocked out for a few minutes,” he said.

“I remember crawling out of the fire and making it to my tent. Then I passed out again.

“When I woke up it was daylight and I looked down at my leg and the burns were horrific. The skin was peeling off and it felt like bark.

“It was horrible and painful but not as painful as you’d think. I think the adrenaline was so strong.”

Mr Jensen said he had no memory of being in the campfire.

“I crawled out of the tent and started calling for help trying to get to another campsite,” he said.

“Somebody found me and helped me and called triple-0.

“Both my legs were burnt pretty bad. I had fourth degree burns to 25 per cent of my body.

“My leg was black. You could see the layers going through to the bone. You could see the burnt bone.”

Brett Jensen. Picture – contributed.

Doctors had to amputate one of Mr Jensen’s leg but were able to save the other. He’s had numerous operations and skin grafts.

Now, 11 weeks later, Mr Jensen is still in hospital.

“I’ve been up and down through it all,” he said.

“I’m not afraid to admit there’s been times I’ve had a cry. But I’ve got great support here with the medical team and my friends and family.

“It’s been really hard though. I miss teaching, surfing and my life.

“But I’m trying to stay positive and retain my love of life. I’m looking forward to new challenges and am telling myself I’ve got to keep moving forward.

“It sucks that this happened, but I love life so it’s worth fighting.”

In hospital, he’s been enjoying watching the Paralympics.

Brett Jensen. Picture – contributed.

“Wheelchair accessibility and prosthetics are so much better these days,” he said.

“And I’ve loved watching the Paralympics it’s been lifting my spirits.

“It’s amazing to see what they can do and what’s out there. It’s something to look forward to.”

Brett’s sister, Petrea Williams, started a GoFundMe campaign to support him.

“He will remain in hospital for a few more months, getting more surgeries and treatment for his extensive burns and then continue with rehabilitation for his mobility,” she said.

“It is a long and difficult process, and we are very grateful for the prayers and support we have received along the way. There’s still a lot of work Brent needs to do to be able to get back to doing the things he loves, including teaching and playing sport, along with living back at home again.

“Brent has shown tremendous courage, strength and determination with his recovery so far, and this will help him in the next phase of his journey.

“We are grateful of any support, donations and prayers that will help get Brent mobile again and back to doing the things he loves on the Sunshine Coast.”

Originally published as Sunshine Coast teacher Brett Jensen loses leg in campfire incident