Artaban de Lacharriere, 15, fell 15 metres from the cliffs at Queenscliff, suffering life-threatening injuries and requiring multiple surgeries that saved his life.
The incident occurred on 29 November 2023, when Artaban and his friends were traversing the cliffs to check the surf. A few loose rocks caused him to fall into a crevasse, where his friends immediately sprang into action to assist him, helping clear his airways before lifeguards arrived.
Emergency services were dispatched, and Artaban was rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital after being stabilised. The teenager suffered severe injuries, including a fractured skull, punctured lung, and spinal fractures.
Critical Medical Intervention and Surgeries
Artaban underwent six emergency surgeries immediately after the fall, followed by another six in the following weeks. He spent five weeks in a medically induced coma as doctors worked to save his life, with his parents, Antigone Mitterrand and Alexandre de Lacharriere, fearing for the worst. Doctors initially gave him only a 5 per cent chance of survival.
The family’s spirits were lifted on Christmas Eve when Artaban finally woke up, delivering what his parents described as the best Christmas gift they could ever receive. He told them he felt cold but was alert, a moment his parents described as nothing short of miraculous.
Blood Donors and Community Support
Artaban’s recovery was heavily dependent on blood transfusions, and the family credits the quick response of first responders and the availability of donated blood for saving his life. In light of this, Artaban and his family are urging Australians to donate blood to help others in need. Currently, only 3 per cent of the eligible population donates blood, a figure that the Australian Red Cross’s Lifeblood says is critical to maintaining the supply for nearly 27 million people.
Artaban expressed his gratitude towards blood donors, urging the community to consider giving blood, regardless of the amount. His family also plans to donate together, hoping to help save another life. Artaban’s mother, Antigone, stated that there’s nothing more painful for a parent than watching their child fight for life, and she stressed the importance of being prepared for situations where someone close might need a blood transfusion.
Fundraiser for Sydney Children’s Hospital
After three months of rehabilitation at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Artaban and his family have developed a strong bond with the hospital staff. The family has launched a fundraiser aiming to raise $20,000 for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, to support the services that helped Artaban recover.
His father, Alexandre, mentioned that the funds raised would provide comfort to patients and help cover additional costs like hiring full-time nurses for critical care, which was essential during Artaban’s hospitalisation.
Artaban explained how he grew close to the hospital staff during his recovery, sharing stories and conversations with the nurses, which helped him cope during his rehabilitation.
A New Outlook on Life
Before the accident, Artaban had aspirations to become a surgeon, mainly for the financial benefits. After experiencing the life-saving work of the medical staff, he now wants to become a neurosurgeon to make a real difference in people’s lives. The family’s experience has also led them to a deeper appreciation for life and the simple things they once took for granted. Antigone shared that the ordeal has brought her family closer and taught them not to take anything for granted.
The quick-thinking actions of Queenscliff lifeguards, combined with the medical team’s efforts and the availability of blood donations, all played a role in saving Artaban’s life. Now, months after the accident, Artaban stands strong and hopes his story will inspire others to support blood donation and the work of hospitals like Sydney Children’s Hospital.
Published 8-Oct-2024