Survivor Reunites With Gold Coast First Responders

On 27 September 2021, motorcyclist Adam Croton's life changed in an instant when he struck a vehicle that performed a U-turn in front of him on Jacobs Well Road at Stapylton.

The 31-year-old was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where doctors told his family he was unlikely to survive.

Adam spent 11 months in hospital, undergoing 15 surgeries. He lost eight weeks of memory, was left without feeling in his left arm, and required a wheelchair.

Yet, against all odds, he slowly regained partial movement and has begun rebuilding his life.

Four years on from the day that changed Adam's life forever, he has reunited with some of the first responders who attended the crash, including Senior Constable Kyle Hutchinson from the Forensic Crash Unit, representatives from Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), and Queensland Fire Department (QFD).

Adam said the road to recovery had been long and isolating, but his determination to keep moving forward remained strong.

"At the start, I had people visiting me all the time, but because I was in hospital for so long, it did get lonely," Adam said.

"I just try to push myself every day to do new things. I can't change the outcome, but I can keep working on the future."

He said meeting the first responders who attended the crash was something he had been looking forward to.

"I don't remember much from that day, or for several weeks after, but I know I wouldn't be here without them," Adam said.

"For me, it's important to say thank you in person. They were the ones who gave me a chance to survive, and I want them to know how much that means to me and my family."

Senior Constable Kyle Hutchinson said attending serious crashes was one of the hardest parts of the job, but seeing Adam's resilience had been inspiring.

"We often see people at their lowest point on the roadside and don't always know what happens after the incident," Senior Constable Hutchinson said.

"To see Adam's progress and hear his outlook on life is nothing short of inspiring and remarkable."

"As police officers, we move from job to job, often without knowing the outcome. To meet Adam again and see that he's not only alive but thriving is incredibly rewarding."

Queensland Ambulance Service Critical Care Paramedic Brendon Leech said Adam's survival was a testament to his strength and the quick actions of first responders.

"When we arrived that day, Adam's injuries were critical and there was a real fear he wouldn't make it," Brendan said.

"To see him today, smiling, positive and determined, is truly extraordinary."

"Moments like this remind us why we do what we do. We see people in their worst moments, but to reconnect later and see the life they've been able to rebuild is one of the greatest rewards of the job."

The Queensland Fire Department Assistant Commissioner Mark Stuart said being able to reconnect with survivors was rare but rewarding.

"Firefighters are often first on scene to help free and protect those trapped in vehicles," Assistant Commissioner Stuart said.

"We don't always get to hear the end of the story, so to meet Adam again and know that he's fought so hard to recover is something very special."

"It's a privilege to see the difference our work can make in someone's life - it gives all of us extra motivation to keep doing what we do every day."

Police are reminding motorists to take care when performing manoeuvres on the road and to always check for motorcyclists, who remain some of the most vulnerable road users.