GIG HARBOR, Wash. — In July 2013, Seattle firefighter Matt Runte was riding his motorcycle when a car ran a red light and T-boned him.
Q13 Fox reported that the crash severely injured his foot, to the point he had two toes amputated.
“My motorcycle boot was blown out at the forefoot because it had been crushed,” Runte said.
With the injury, Runte faced the reality of never being able to fight fires. However, he never gave up hope and found a device that could help solve his problems.
The device, called an intrepid dynamic exoskeletal orthosis or IDEO, is a custom fit brace that acts as a support for damaged muscles and tendons. It allows patients to use their leg as if it weren’t injured.
The IDEO was invented by Ryan Blanck five years ago to help wounded veterans, according to the report.
“People who are going back to combat and kicking down doors again with a device, where they would normally have an amputation, and they’re back jumping out of helicopters, climbing mountains in Afghanistan,” Blanck said.
Blanck has now helped around 700 people get back on their feet.
With the device, Runte can now walk normally and is back to firefighting.
“I hope that awareness is increased and people know that this high function is there and you can do everything you want to do,” Runte said.