RAMSEY, Ind. — An Ind. firefighter who was critically injured in an ATV crash is set to go home and leave the hospital after one month of treatment.
Firefighter Trevor Whittaker, 33, was on his way home on his ATV when he hit a deer that jumped out in front of him. He was hurled several feet into the air as his ATV rolled. He was not wearing a helmet, according to WLKY.
“I know a lot of people don’t like wearing helmets…I was one of those people, but after this, I will not get back on a four-wheeler or anything else like that without a helmet,” he said.
Doctors were unsure if Firefighter Whittaker would make it through the night. He suffered a broken clavicle and ribs and a serious brain injury. Doctors had to remove part of his skull.
Now, he is recovering at a rate that is surprising doctors, learning how to walk and regain mobility through rehab.
It is Firefighter Whittaker’s hope that his story can illustrate for others the importance of wearing a helmet.
He now wears a helmet daily so that he can protect his brain before his next surgery.
Once at home, he will have to undergo day-long outpatient therapy.
Multiple fundraisers are in the works to help him pay for his medical bills.