‘Long way to go’: Teen sustains severe injuries in horror incident

GRAPHIC: The parents and treatment specialist of a teenager who was hospitalised with serious injuries after his arms became entangled in a machine, have opened up about the young man’s recovery.

Dalby teen Murray Gooderham had his arm seriously injured at work.

When Murray Gooderham started working as a labourer for a manufacturing company, he never imagined he would be in hospital with serious injuries on the first week of the job.

The 16-year-old was working on a drill press when his gloves became entangled and pulled both arms into the machinery.

As a result he sustained multiple fractures in both arms between the elbow and wrist, burns to his left hand and severe soft tissue damage.

This injury also lead to the development of compartment syndrome in his left forearm.

Admitted to Dalby Hospital, Murray was then transferred to Toowoomba Hospital and eventually Greenslopes Private Hospital in Brisbane.

Dalby teen Murray Gooderham’s X-rays.

Since the incident which occurred on September 20, 2022, the Dalby teen has undergone four intense surgeries and a skin graph.

For the past six months he has been receiving rehabilitation treatment from the team at Toowoomba Hand Therapy.

Dalby teen Murray Gooderham’s X-rays.

Owner of the St Vincent’s Hospital clinic Jo O’Sullivan said Murray had made fantastic progress in his recovery.

She said despite the severity of the injuries sustained, he was expected to gain almost full function in both arms again.

“To have both arms injured and to the point where he could have lost his hand is very serious especially because he’s only 16,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“When Murray (started work), it was an exciting time … neither he nor his family could have anticipated the life-altering injuries he would sustain in his first week on the job.”

Toowoomba Hand Therapy specialists have shared how their assistance made a life changing difference for Dalby teen Murray Gooderham, who had his arm seriously injured at work.

Murray’s therapy has included wound management, protecting the fractures with splints, reducing pain and swelling.

Murray’s parents Di and Mark Gooderham described the incident as “horrific” but said they were grateful for the assistance they had received through the hand therapy specialists.

“We still have a long way to go but we wouldn’t be where we are today without that team,” Mr Gooderham said.

“A fair bit of credit is owed to Murray too because (as a patient) with any injury you have to put in 110 per cent.”

The couple said despite travelling from Dalby to Toowoomba for appointments three times a week, they felt for people living in rural areas who had no access to specialists.

“We are so lucky to have such a highly skilled team at our fingertips,” Ms Gooderham said.

“The results show Murray wouldn’t be here today without attending every single appointment.”

Before the incident Murray was an active teen who enjoyed motorbiking and water skiing – two activities Ms O’Sullivan believes he will be returning to soon.

Designed to help patients recover, regain independence and return to living their daily lives, hand and arm therapists assist patients with many conditions including tendinitis, arthritis and carpal tunnel, as well as workplace or sporting injuries.

Hand Therapy Awareness Week runs from June 5 to 11.

With nearly 40 per cent of wrist and hand injuries making up the most work-related reasons for hospitalisations in Australia, Ms O’Sullivan said raising awareness was key.